The board of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has requested that NSW Police do not take part in this weekend’s parade.
The decision, which the seven member board said was not made lightly, follows the alleged murders of Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies last week.
Senior Constable Beau Lamarre-Condon was on Friday charged with their murders.
According to organisers, police participation at the annual event scheduled for this Saturday, could cause distress in the community already reeling from the deaths of the young men.
“Sydney Mardi Gras along with LGBTQIA+ communities across the country have been devastated by the loss of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, whose lives were cut short,” the board said in a statement late on Monday night.
“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 board has taken the decision to request that the police do not march in the 2024 Parade.”
Organisers acknowledged that while some officers are also members of the LGBTQIA community, they said recent events have left many questioning whether the parade can still be “a space to protest, celebrate, and advocate for equality, as well as to honour and grieve for those we’ve lost.”
In a statement, NSW Police said they had been made aware of the late-night decision to “withdraw their invitation”.
“While disappointed with this outcome, NSW Police will continue to work closely with the LGBTQIA+ community,” a spokesperson said.
“And remain committed to working with organisers to provide a safe environment for all those participating in and supporting this Saturday’s parade.”
Earlier, the NSW Greens called for the NSW Police to exclude itself from the festivities.
The party’s LGBTQIA+ spokesperson Dr Amanda Cohn said it would be a sign of respect, deference, and commitment to change.
NSW Premier Chris Minns however, was of the view that officers not marching would be a step backwards, not a step forward.
“NSW Police marching in the Mardi Gras is an important part of bringing the communities together,” he said.
“There are many LGBTQI+ members of the New South Wales Police Force themselves and over the years, particular senior officers, would have battled prejudice within the workforce.
“I think they would want an opportunity to represent their community as well as New South Wales police. And I hope that they do march.”