Police have withdrawn from participating in an upcoming gay pride march after a nasty confrontation at last year’s event.
Victoria Police confirmed its withdrawal from the Midsumma Festival pride march on February 2, citing organizers’ refusal to allow officers to march in uniform.
“Organizers would only allow police to participate if they were wearing plain clothes or a branded polo shirt,” police said in a statement Wednesday.
“We believe this would be a step back for inclusion, especially for our (LGBTQI) employees who simply want to celebrate being their authentic selves.”
Active officers will continue to attend the march as part of their police duties.
Midsumma said it welcomed all members and allies of the LGBTQI community to participate, provided all entry conditions were met.
“We are disappointed by Victoria Police’s decision not to participate, but respect the rights of any group that decides not to participate,” organizers said.
He said the condition imposed on police to dispose of their uniforms was a “trauma-informed approach” introduced after consulting stakeholders.
Victoria Police confirmed they would not be taking part in the Midsumma Festival pride march (pictured) on February 2.
That consultation and the resulting new policy came after marching police were confronted by up to 50 protesters last year, shouting insults and throwing paint bombs.
Chief Superintendent Shane Patton said he had “contempt” for their behaviour, while Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbines said they were acting like thugs.
One of the groups of activists involved in the protest accused officers of throwing protesters to the ground and hitting one on the side of the head.
The involvement of police in gay pride events remains a controversial issue in these types of marches, which had their origins in protests against police harassment of homosexuals.
While some maintain this antagonistic relationship with the police, others welcome their participation as a symbol of changing community attitudes.
Transgender Victoria previously announced its withdrawal from the Midsumma march due to the involvement of Victoria Police, but chief executive Son Vivienne said he would reconsider that stance now that police had withdrawn.
In December, Mardi Gras voted narrowly to allow NSW Police to continue marching in its 2025 parade.
The pardon followed a decision to ban uniformed officers from joining the 2024 march over concerns about their sometimes tense relationship with the queer community.