Organisers have asked NSW Police not to participate in Saturday's parade, after a serving officer was charged with murdering, a Sydney couple.
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00:00 For more than a quarter of a century, the blue uniforms have been part of the Rainbow
00:05 celebrations.
00:06 But after a police officer allegedly murdered Jesse Baird and Luke Davies last week, the
00:11 Mardi Gras board has asked the force not to march in Saturday's parade, saying the participation
00:16 of police could intensify the current feelings of sorrow and distress.
00:20 I think they should sit out as a mark of respect.
00:23 I don't know if it's probably the right decision, but I do understand where they're coming from.
00:28 Julie McCrossin says it was the wrong decision.
00:31 It is a setback.
00:34 She has first-hand experience of police violence as part of the gay liberation movement in
00:38 the 70s and 80s.
00:40 I was arrested many times, but that's a long time ago.
00:44 These contemporary activists say stepping back from the parade is the least police should
00:48 do.
00:49 We call today for the resignation of all LGBTQ police.
00:53 It's not just about the tragic murder last week.
00:56 It's about a history of violence, discrimination and over-policing of the queer community.
01:02 The Police Association of New South Wales says it is disappointing that the alleged
01:06 actions of one individual could potentially impact what has been 20 years of relationship
01:11 progression.
01:12 I think they should still be able to march.
01:14 The Australian Federal Police were planning to march with their New South Wales colleagues,
01:18 but have decided to pull out.
01:20 There's a lot of gay and lesbian police officers who are proud of their profession and proud
01:25 of their community.
01:26 The Police Commissioner and the Police Minister met with members of the Mardi Gras board today.
01:32 One option being considered is allowing New South Wales police to march out of uniform.
01:36 As the Commissioner I can make those decisions and I will talk with both the corporate sponsor
01:42 and some of those officers to see how they feel.
01:46 There's just four sleeps until the annual march up Oxford Street.
01:49 [BLANK_AUDIO]