Proposals to ban NSW Police from marching in next year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras have been rejected at the organisation’s annual general meeting over the weekend.
This means NSW Police will be allowed to apply to participate in the parade like any other group.
Here’s what you need to know.
Motions
At Saturday’s meeting, three motions opposing police presence at the parade were introduced. They required 50% of eligible votes to pass.
The first motion was brought forward by the Mardi Gras board and proposed a ban “until such time as [police] demonstrate a commitment to improving relationships with LGBTQIA+ communities”. It received 46.9% support.
Two additional motions from LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups also proposed a ban, but similarly failed to garner enough support.
The outcomes of these motions are “non-binding recommendations.” The board is set to meet within the next week to decide whether to accept them.
The proposals came after community consultation revealed that while some respondents respected and felt protected by NSW Police, many reported feeling threatened or marginalised.
A survey by the Mardi Grad board found that 54% of respondents opposed police participation in the parade. The survey was completed by previous attendees who participated in the organisation’s community consultation on the issue.
Police at Mardi Gras
The first Mardi Gras march in Sydney was in 1978. The night ended in police brutality, with more than 50 people arrested. Police have since been accused of using excessive force against participants on several occasions.
NSW Police have marched in the annual parade since 1998. This year, uniformed officers were asked not to march after the arrest of police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon, who allegedly murdered Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies. This decision was then reversed and officers participated in the parade “in a reduced capacity”.
Police response
NSW Police said it welcomes the outcome and values its “ongoing close relationship” with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
It said the event is “important and significant” for LGBTQIA+ staff and allies, as well as their friends and family.
“The NSW Police Force is dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ communities and takes pride in its role as a community leader for inclusion and diversity,” it said in a statement.
