December 7th 2024.
Members of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras recently voted on whether or not to ban the New South Wales (NSW) Police from participating in the 2025 parade. Three similar motions were presented at the annual general meeting this morning, sparking a lively debate among members.
Earlier this year, the Mardi Gras board had proposed a motion to ban the police force from marching until they showed a commitment to improving their relationship with the LGBTQIA+ community. However, this motion was ultimately voted down by a narrow margin of 34 votes, with 459 members in support and 493 against.
Another motion, put forward by the group Rainbow Labor, suggested allowing officers to march in plain clothes and without weapons. This too was voted down, with 419 members in favor and 482 against.
Pride in Protest, a group advocating for the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals, went a step further and proposed a complete ban on the NSW Police's participation in the parade. They argued that many other organizations and institutions are regularly denied the opportunity to march, and therefore the police should not be exempt. However, their motion was also defeated, with 425 members in support and 522 against.
In response to the outcome of the meeting, a spokesperson for the NSW Police expressed their satisfaction, highlighting the force's long-standing participation in the parade and their dedication to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. They also emphasized their close relationship with the Mardi Gras board and their commitment to ensuring the safety and success of the event.
The Mardi Gras board will reconvene within the next 10 days to discuss the results and make a final decision on the matter. In the meantime, members are encouraged to stay updated on the latest news, sports, politics, and weather through the 9NEWS app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
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