Calls for ban on ‘unsafe’ uniformed coppers at St Kilda pride march
Tensions are mounting as Victoria’s queer community pushes for police to be banned from marching at a pride festival on Sunday.
Victoria
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A fight has broken out over uniformed police officers joining a gay pride march, with some LGBTQIA+ Victorians claiming they feel “unsafe” with uniformed officers.
The Victorian Pride Lobby had written to the Midsumma pride march organisers in a bid to ban uniformed officers from taking part, despite police having been involved since 2002.
But uniformed police are set to still march with about 8000 people on Sunday, despite calls for them to stand down.
Victorian Pride Lobby co-convener Nevena Spirovska said the call for a ban wasn’t a permanent motion, but was necessary after the Dani Laidley photo scandal.
“We’re not excluding police from participating in the match forever,” Ms Spirovska told 3AW.
“We’re just saying at this moment in time, the community does not feel safe seeing them there in their uniform.”
Ms Spirovska said the pride march should be a safe space for all LGBTQIA+ Victorians.
But due to a “long history of police violence, harassment and discrimination,” this wasn’t the case, Ms Spirovska said.
“The community has spoken and now it’s important that Midsumma listens,” she said.
“The LGBTQIA+ community has a fraught history with the police and this is especially so for the most marginalised among us.
“That’s why the Victorian Pride Lobby does not support police officers and correction officers marching at Pride in uniform.
“We heard over 1500 community members last year in our Police Attitudes Survey and the overwhelming majority of people held this view.”
She added that no police officer – or any individual regardless of their background – was excluded from participating in the march.
Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson said the proposed uniform ban contradicted the “inclusive” nature of the march. “It doesn’t feel inclusive when we’ve got our own LGBTQI employees who are proudly also police not being able to show that Victoria Police has absolutely changed,” he said.
“As a gay man, I’m very, very well connected in the broader LGBTI community.”
Mr Paterson said he had marched in the parade for years and this year’s ban on uniformed police would exclude LGBTQIA+ officers.
“We know that some of them have had discrimination and face discrimination in their careers in Victoria,” he said.
“They are very proud to be able to wear their uniform, and show both to their colleagues and the broader organisation that Victoria Police, you know, is changing through those years and has demonstrably changed over the years.
“They see it as a pride in their employment, their role in supporting the LGBTI community and part of who they are.”
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the force acknowledged the concerns expressed by some in the LGBTQI community.
She said it cherished the opportunity to celebrate and show support for marginalised community members.
“Participating in this inclusive event is a proud reminder that Victoria Police is representative of the community we serve.
“It also represents an opportunity for police to publicly show our commitment to rectifying wrongdoings of the past. We are committed to further improving and remain steadfast in our commitment to building strong relationships with LGBTIQ communities – relationships built on respect, trust and fairness.
“Victoria Police strives to earn the trust and confidence of the entire Victorian community. Our network of more than 400 LGBTIQ Liaison Officers work tirelessly to enhance the mutual trust and respect between LGBTIQ communities and police.”
Mr Paterson said: “Victoria Police massively support the LGBTI community.”
“We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, violence against the LGBTI community.”
About 8000 marchers are expected to take part in the march.
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