Police Ban in Sydney Mardi Gras Parade Set for Vote at November AGM
Police Ban in Sydney Mardi Gras Parade Set for Vote at November AGM
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Board will present a motion at its November Annual General Meeting to ban police participation in the Mardi Gras.
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG) Board will present a motion at its November Annual General Meeting to ban police participation in the Mardi Gras parade, according to activist group, Pride in Protest.
The move follows a series of public consultations held throughout August and September 2024, which revealed a strong community opposition to NSW Police involvement in the iconic parade.
“Consultation results demonstrate a clear community position against police marching in Mardi Gras,” said Pride in Protest, celebrating the planned motion. If passed at the AGM, the decision would prevent police from having an official float in future parades.
The motion builds on years of campaigning from activist group Pride in Protest, who first raised the issue at the 2018 AGM. Citing police violence against First Nations people, ongoing deaths in custody, and systemic discrimination within the police force. The queer activist group has repeatedly called for the removal of police from the event.
NSW Police Commissioner, Karen Webb said in a statement to the media earlier this year, "We have been building a bridge with the Gay Lesbian community since the 78ers were mishandled by police back in the day. We have been participating in Mardi Gras for the past 27 years."
The contentious issue of Police at queer events came to a head this year when shocking scenes were shared online, of Victoria Police officers seen choking an attendee of the Midsumma Festival for blocking their path.
Confidence in Police in the queer community is at a low, with a recent report by the Victorian Pride Lobby revealing that 80% of Victorian Queer people do not trust the police, which echos confidence around the country.
The final decision will be made by SGLMG members during the AGM in November.