NSW Police will be allowed to march in Saturday’s Mardi Gras parade but won’t wear their uniforms as the LGBTQ community mourns the deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, who were allegedly murdered by a serving officer.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said this afternoon an agreement had been reached with event organisers after days of discussions.
“The Mardi Gras board has reached an agreement with us that will allow NSW Police to march in this year’s parade,” she said.
“Police have agreed to not march in uniform, in consideration of current sensitivities.
“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.”
Police had been uninvited from marching by organisers on Monday after senior constable Beau Lamarre-Condon was charged with murdering Baird and Davies last week.
But discussions continued between the Mardi Gras board and police, and Webb said she would work to improve the relationship between the community and officers.
“The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an important event on the NSW Police calendar and as Commissioner, I am committed to continuing to strengthen the relationship between my organisation and the LGBTQIA+ community,” she said.
“I thank the Mardi Gras Board for the cordial discussions over the past few days.”
