A veteran gay liberation activist says no Police marching is a setback

Organisers have asked NSW Police not to participate in Saturday's parade, after a serving officer was charged with murdering, a Sydney couple.

Transcript

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]