NSW Police to march in Sydney Mardi Gras under strict conditions after earlier ban
Mardi gras organisers will allow police to march out of uniform, but in a bizarre turn of events on Wednesday it was still unclear exactly who would be able to march.
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Exclusive: A decision to ban the NSW Police Force from marching in this Saturday’s Mardi Gras parade has been reversed, but officers will only be allowed to march out of uniform.
In an agreement between NSW Police and the Mardis Gras board reached on Wednesday, police will not be able to wear uniforms or carry weapons while marching.
This comes after a bizarre afternoon, in which statements released by Police Commissioner Karen Webb and Mardi Gras organisers differed completely over which police officers could march in Saturday’s parade.
While Commissioner Webb indicated any police officer would be able to march, Mardi Gras organisers said only Gay and Lesbian Liason Officers (GLLOs) would be allowed to do so.
In a statement released by Commissioner Webb on Wednesday afternoon, she indicated that all LGBTQIA+ officers would be allowed to march.
“I am delighted that our LGBTQIA+ officers, as well as our other police who are allies and supporters, will be allowed to march this year as they have done for the past 20 years,” the statement said.
Yet Mardi Gras organisers insisted it was only members of the force who were serving GLLOs who will be able to join the parade, whereas previously any member of the force could volunteer.
A statement released on Wednesday by Mardi Gras organisers said police would participate in a reduced capacity to the originally planned float.
“To address concerns from the community the GLLO (Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers) participants will march in the 2024 Parade out of uniform,” the original statement said.
“This weekend’s Parade is a beacon of hope, pride, celebration and inclusivity – this outcome allows for GLLO’s who volunteer their time and service to the community to participate in the event in a considered and respectful way as we navigate this tragedy together.”
Additionally NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley’s office insisted the invitation to march was open to all officers not just GLLOs.
“Together, we have reached an agreement that the NSW Police will be able to march, not in uniform,” Ms Catley said.
“I am pleased that our LGBTQIA+ officers and supporters will be allowed to march on Saturday night as they have done for the past 20 years.”
By 6pm Mardis Gras had amended its statement, conceding that all officers and their allies could participate in the parade out of uniform.
Today’s confusion comes in a shocking week for the Police Commissioner, who has been criticised for failing to address the public for three days after a double murder in Paddington allegedly at the hands of an officer, and has been slammed by NSW MP Rod Roberts for going on holidays and missing Police Remembrance Day last year, and for dismissing her critics this week with a Taylor Swift reference.
The outcome comes after two days of negotiations in response to a decision by Mardi Gras late Monday night to revoke police participation in the march following the deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, allegedly at the hands of police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon.
Organisers said at the time that allowing police to march “could add to the distress within our communities, already deeply affected by recent events”.
At meetings held over Tuesday and Wednesday it is understood that one of the main issues was regarding police carrying firearms in the parade. Police on active duty in uniform must carry a firearm by law.
Police Opposition spokesman Paul Toole said he was pleased police would now be able to participate in the march.
“Police participation in the parade has been about building relationships for the past 20 years and should continue to do so,” he said.
Sydney MP Alex Greewich also welcomed the reversal.
“This outcome is a significant step in the importance of the LGBTQ community and police working together towards community safety,” he said.
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