‘I’m a lesbian. Why are we punishing all cops?’ Uproar as police officers are not invited to Mardi Gras due to the alleged killings of celeb chaser cops
Requests from organizers of the SThe Ydney Mardi Gras parade that police will not participate in the annual LGBTQI event after an officer was charged with murder has sparked an uproar.
Arepresenter for NSW Police confirmed on Monday evening that ‘The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras board has decided to withdraw the invitation to NSW Police to participate in this year’s event on March 2.
It would be the first year in two decades that uniformed officers have not participated in the parade, prompting comments online that the group as a whole was being punished for the alleged actions of one person.
The police lockout follows the arrest of Beaumont Lamarre-Condon, 28, a senior NSW Police officer charged with the murder of his ex-partner Channel 10 presenter Jesse Baird, 26, and his new friend Luke Davies, 29, in February. 19.
Among those who expressed disappointment at the police ban was former ABC Radio presenter and gay rights advocate Julie McCrossin AM, who said: “When someone was arrested multiple times during the early days of gay liberation in Sydney in the 1970s, cultural change and inclusivity what we were. fighting for.’
Another commenter agreed, saying, “I’m a lesbian but I feel so betrayed by my community. Why are we collectively punishing all officers for the alleged actions of one deranged gay man?”
“This anti-police sentiment has been brewing in the gay community for some time and has nothing to do with this crime,” she added.
Journalist, comedian and gay rights advocate Julie McCrossin AM (center) has called on Mardi Gras organizers to rescind the invitation for uniformed police to participate
One person said he felt “betrayed” by the gay community for “collectively” punishing all the officers
Jesse Baird (right) and his new partner Luke Davies (left) are missing while NSW police officer Beaumont Lamarre-Condon is charged with their murders
Ms McCrossin called on the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras board to reverse their decision and allow uniformed police to participate.
“We are deeply sorry that Sydney Mardi Gras has withdrawn the invitation to the NSW Police to march with us. They have been marching for 20 years and have attended many other Mardi Gras events,” she said.
“Some of these police officers are gay and lesbian liaison officers, others are marching to demonstrate leadership and promote cultural change from within.”
She said it’great to see how mainstream organizations and government agencies have joined the Mardi Gras Parade over the years.
“This includes members of the armed forces and faith groups.
“The NSW Police marching with us is a good news story in a world where homosexuality is still a criminal offense with heavy penalties in many countries.
“Let’s hope this decision can be changed.”
Her words led to a flood of comments agreeing with her position.
“This is a horrific decision that hinders inclusion and affects the safety of the queer community,” one person said.
“While I understand the reasons behind this, I feel this is the wrong decision. The actions of one member of this organization should not take away from the good that so many others are doing,” said another.
Lamarre-Condon is behind bars and will be questioned again on Tuesday. The senior officer previously marched in uniform during Mardi Gras in 2020 (pictured)
Sky News presenter Laura Jayes said the decision seemed ‘nonsensical’.
While conservative social commentator Prue MacSween urged caution not to let anger over the alleged crime lead to division between the gay community and police.
“It is understandable that the gay and lesbian community is angry and grieving, but they should not blame the police for one person’s alleged act,” she said.
“This is not a murderous act by the police. It could have been a deranged individual who happened to have a job in those ranks, who did have access to a gun (but) this appears to be a crime of domestic violence, as tragic as that is.”
Another commenter agreed: “The organizers also need to be careful with their messaging. “I am sure they do not want to inadvertently cause the community to become hostile towards the police, who will be there to protect those attending the parade.”
However, many commentators pointed out that police are still welcome to attend the parade as individuals, but not as a group representing NSW Police.
“They are not blaming the police for one person’s alleged act, they are managing security at a large event and trying to avoid confrontation,” one person said.
“Police officers can of course still march, the only thing that is asked is that they not march in uniform.”
Jesse Baird was also a referee for the AFL and had worked more than 60 matches at the highest level
The Mardi Gras board said in a statement shared with the media: ‘In recent days, many have expressed concerns… about whether it can still be a space to protest, celebrate and advocate for equality, and to to honor and mourn those we have lost, given the participation of NSW Police in this year’s event.”
“Our community needs space to mourn the loss of Jesse and Luke, who before this tragedy would have been here celebrating with us at the festival.”
A Change.org petition has also appeared online calling on the board to resign over the ban.
NSW Police said in a statement: ‘While we are disappointed with this outcome, we will continue to work closely with the LGBTIQA+ community and remain committed to working with organizers to provide a safe environment for all participants. ‘
EThe advocacy group LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation said conversations about police participation in Mardi Gras should be kept separate from the issue of the alleged killings.
“This is, as claimed by NSW Police, a domestic and family violence crime and we must all recognize that this problem occurs at a disproportionately high rate in LGBTQ+ communities,” the report said.
“There needs to be greater attention and focus on the awareness, recognition and responses to domestic and family violence by our community, first responders, service providers and government.”
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said excluding officers from Saturday’s parade would damage the organisation’s relationship with the gay and lesbian community.
“We have been participating in Mardi Gras for 20 years and have not missed a year… it would be a real travesty if this organization were to be excluded (this year),” she told reporters earlier on Monday.
A man places flowers at Jesse Baird’s Paddington home in Sydney on Saturday
Premier Chris Minns also backed the police march, saying not doing so would be a step backwards.
“There are many LGBTQI members of the NSW Police Force who over the years, particularly senior officers who have served for decades, have challenged bias within the workforce,” he said.
“I think NSW Police taking part in the Mardi Gras parade is an important part of bringing the communities together.”
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