Cops WILL march at Mardi Gras – but only if they abide by a special rule – police commissioner announces

Organisers of Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras have backflipped on a prior decision and will allow police to march during the parade.

Police Commissioner Karen Webb announced the change on Wednesday afternoon while also revealing that officers will not wear their uniforms during Saturday’s march ‘in consideration of current sensitivities’.

The event’s organisers told police on Monday night they would not be invited to be part of the parade this year after the arrest of senior constable Beaumont Lamarre-Condon, 28.

Lamarre-Comdon is accused of the murders of his ex-partner Channel 10 presenter Jesse Baird, 26, and his new boyfriend Luke Davies, 29, on February 19.

It would have been the first Mardi Gras parade in 26 years that didn’t feature a section for police officers part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Commissioner Webb was elated that organisers backtracked their decision to allow for police officers to march.

‘I am delighted that our LGBTQIA+ officers, as well as our other police 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 on the NSW Police calendar and as Commissioner, I am committed to continuing to strengthen the relationship between my organisation and the LGBTQIA+ community.

‘I thank the Mardi Gras Board for the cordial discussions over the past few days.’

The original decision made by the organisers was met with fierce backlash from those within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Among those to voice their disappointment at the police ban was former ABC Radio host and gay rights advocate Julie McCrossin.

‘As someone arrested multiple times during the early days of Gay Liberation in 1970s Sydney, cultural change and inclusiveness was what we were fighting for,’ Mr McCrossin said.

More to come.