NSW Police have been asked not to march at Saturday’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade by the event’s organisers.
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Board said having police participate in the march “could intensify the current feelings of sorrow and distress” in the LGBTQ community grieving over the deaths Jesse Baird and Luke Davies.
Uniformed police march in the Mardi Gras parade in 2004.Credit: Fairfax Media
Beau Lamarre-Condon, a police officer who had previously marched in the parade, has been charged with the murders of Baird and Davies and is in custody.
“In recent days, many have voiced their concerns to us, particularly regarding feelings of unease at the parade,” the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Board said in a statement.
“Their concerns centre on whether it can still be a space to protest, celebrate, and advocate for equality, as well as to honour and grieve for those we’ve lost, given the NSW Police’s participation in this year’s event.
Beau Lamarre-Condon marching in the 2020 Mardi Gras parade in Sydney.Credit: AAP
“Our community needs space to grieve the loss of Jesse and Luke who, before this tragedy, would have been here celebrating with us at the festival,” the statement said.
“In light of this, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Board feels that having the NSW Police march this year could add to the distress within our communities, already deeply affected by recent events. The board has taken the decision to request that the police do not march in the 2024 parade.”
“This decision was not made lightly, especially considering that many NSW Police members who participate in the parade are also members of the LGBTQIA+ community and are navigating the impact of this tragedy alongside us … This decision allows space for the community to heal this year and acknowledges the profound grief and strain that we are enduring.”