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Organizers of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras have reversed an earlier decision and will allow police to march during the parade.
Police Commissioner Karen Webb announced the change Wednesday afternoon and also revealed that officers will not wear their uniforms during Saturday’s march “in consideration of current sensitivities.”
Event organizers told police Monday night that they would not be invited to this year’s parade after the arrest of police officer Beaumont Lamarre-Condon, 28.
Lamarre-Comdon is accused of the murders of his ex-partner, Channel 10 presenter Jesse Baird, 26, and her new boyfriend Luke Davies, 29, on February 19.
It would have been the first Mardi Gras parade in 26 years that did not have a section for police officers who are part of the LGBTQI+ community.
Police officers will be allowed to march in this Saturday’s Mardi Gras parade in Sydney after event organizers backtracked on a decision made this week (pictured, police at Mardi Gras)
Commissioner Webb was elated that organizers reversed their decision to allow police officers to march.
“I am thrilled that our LGBTQIA+ officers, as well as our other police officers who are allies and supporters, will be allowed to march this year,” she said in a statement.
‘The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an important event in the NSW Police calendar and, as Commissioner, I am committed to continuing to strengthen the relationship between my organization and the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I thank the Mardi Gras Board for the cordial discussions over the past few days.”
More to come.