Queensland Police Service commit to formal apology for discrimination against LGBTIQ community
Queensland police officers have been banned from marching in uniform at a Brisbane pride parade, as organisers await a formal apology from the service for decades of discrimination.
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Queensland police officers have been banned from marching in uniform at a Brisbane pride parade, as organisers await a formal apology from the service for decades of discrimination.
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll has committed to apologising to the LGBTIQ+ community next year in wake of the decision, which was made by Brisbane Pride Incorporated.
It’s the second year in a row QPS members have been asked by the committee to ditch the uniform if marching in the Brisbane Pride Fair Day, as it awaits an apology from police to move forward to a “positive future together”.
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said in a statement this week she had driven preparations for the formal apology, which would be delivered next year.
“Both organisations agree that a formal apology by the police is one of the steps that is needed for us to move forward for a positive future together, and we are moving close to that milestone,” a joint statement read.
In August last year, the pride committee asked officers taking part in the march to not wear their uniform in a decision which was “not made lightly”.
At the time, the committee said it was concerned about escalating levels of homophobia after members of the QPS were investigated for engaging in sexist, racist and homophobic social media posts.
Ms Carroll launched an investigation into who was responsible and condemned the actions, but the committee stood firm.
Pride organisers also justified the ban by citing historical mistreatment of the LGBTIQ+ community where there was a “long-term” distrust of police.
“Despite an apology from the Queensland parliament for historic wrongs, the Queensland Police Service is yet to acknowledge or apologise for these past acts,” they said.
Over the past 12 months, conversations between QPS and the committee have continued and both have agreed police need to apologise for past wrongs.
“Brisbane Pride Inc has faith that QPS entered into this process in good faith, and acknowledges the progress the QPS has made over the past 30 years and more recently, the work done to build a positive relationship with LGBTIQ+ communities.”
Ms Carroll said the apology would take place next year.
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