‘I am a lesbian – why are we punishing all cops?’ Uproar as police officers are uninvited from Mardi Gras over celeb chaser cop’s alleged murders

Requests from organisers of the Sydney Mardi Gras parade that police not march in the annual LGBTQI event after an officer was accused of murder has sparked uproar. 

A representative for NSW Police confirmed on Monday night that ‘the Board of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has decided to withdraw the invitation to NSW Police to participate in this year’s event’ to be held on March 2.

It would mark the first year in two decades where uniformed officers have not participated in the parade, leading to backlash online that the group as a whole was being punished for the alleged actions of one person. 

The exclusion of police follows the arrest of Beaumont Lamarre-Condon, 28, a NSW Police senior constable who 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. 

Among those to voice their disappointment at the police ban was former ABC Radio host and gay rights advocate Julie McCrossin AM who said: ‘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.’

Another commenter agreed saying: ‘I am a lesbian but feel so very betrayed by my community. Why are we collectively punishing all cops for the alleged actions of one disturbed gay man?’. 

‘This anti cop sentiment has been brewing in the gay community for a while and it has nothing to do with this crime,’ they added. 

Journalist, comedian and gay rights advocate Julie McCrossin AM (centre) has called on Mardi Gras organisers to reinstate the invitation for uniformed police to participate 

One person said they felt 'betrayed' by the gay community for 'collectively' punishing all cops

One person said they felt ‘betrayed’ by the gay community for ‘collectively’ punishing all cops 

Jesse Baird (right) and his new partner Luke Davies (left) are missing with NSW Police constable Beaumont Lamarre-Condon charged with their murders

Jesse Baird (right) and his new partner Luke Davies (left) are missing with NSW Police constable Beaumont Lamarre-Condon charged with their murders 

Ms McCrossin called on the Board of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to reverse their decision and allow uniformed police to participate. 

Poll

Do you think the Mardi Gras board should have banned cops from this year’s parade?

  • Yes 54 votes
  • No 462 votes

‘Very sorry Sydney Mardi Gras has withdrawn the invitation for NSW Police to march with us (they) have marched for 20 years and attended many other Mardi Gras events,’ she said. 

‘Some of these police are Gay & Lesbian Liaison Officers, others are marching to show leadership and nurture cultural change from within.’ 

She said it had been ‘marvellous’ to see mainstream organisations and government agencies join the Mardi Gras Parade over the years.

‘This includes members of the defence forces and faith groups. 

‘NSW Police marching with us is a good news story in a world where homosexuality is still a criminal offence with heavy penalties in many nations. 

‘Let’s hope this decision can be changed.’

Her words led to a flood of comments agreeing with her position.

‘This is a horrific decision that walks back inclusion and reduces the safety of the queer community,’ one person said.

‘While I understand the reasons behind this I feel it is the wrong call. The actions of one member of this organization should not take away from the good so many others do,’ another said.

Lamarre-Condon is behind bars and set to be questioned again on Tuesday. The senior constable previously marched in uniform at Mardi Gras in 2020 (pictured)

Lamarre-Condon is behind bars and set to be questioned again on Tuesday. The senior constable previously marched in uniform at Mardi Gras in 2020 (pictured)

Sky News host Laura Jayes said the decision seemed ‘nonsensical’.

While conservative social commentator Prue MacSween urged caution not to let fury over the alleged crime cause division between the gay community and police. 

‘Understandably the gay & lesbian community is angry and in mourning, but they should not be blaming the police force for the alleged act of one person,’ she said.

‘This is not a murderous act by the police. It was allegedly a deranged person who happened to have a job in those ranks, who yes, had access to a gun (but) this appears to be a domestic violence crime, as tragic as that is.’

Another commenter agreed that: ‘The organisers also need to be careful with their messaging. I’m sure they don’t want to inadvertently cause the community to act in a hostile way to the police who will be there to protect the attendees at the parade.’

However, many commenters pointed out police are still welcome to attend the parade as individuals, just not as a group representing NSW Police. 

‘They are not blaming the police force for the alleged act of one person they are managing security for a large event and seek to avoid confrontation,’ one said.

‘Police officers can of course still march, all that’s being asked is they do not march in uniform.’

Jesse Baird was also an umpire for the AFL having worked on more than 60 top level games

Jesse Baird was also an umpire for the AFL having worked on more than 60 top level games

The Mardi Gras board said in a statement shared with media outlets: ‘In recent days many have voiced their concerns … on whether it can still be a space to protest, celebrate and advocate for equality, as well as to honour and grieve for those we’ve lost, given the NSW Police’s participation in this year’s event.’

‘Our community needs space to grieve the loss of Jesse and Luke who, before this tragedy, would have been here celebrating with us at the Festival.’

A Change.org petition has also appeared online calling for the board to resign over the ban.  

NSW Police in a statement said: ‘While disappointed with this outcome, we will continue to work closely with the LGBTIQA+ community and remain committed to working with organisers to provide a safe environment for all those participating.’

The advocacy group LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation said conversations about police participation in Mardi Gras should be kept separate from the issue of the alleged murders.

‘This, as has been alleged by NSW Police, is a domestic and family violence crime and we must all acknowledge that this issue occurs at a disproportionately higher rate in LGBTQ+ communities,’ it said.

‘Greater attention and focus needs to be on awareness, recognition and responses to domestic and family violence by our community, first responders, service providers and government.’

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said excluding officers from the parade on Saturday would damage the organisation’s relationship with the gay and lesbian community.

‘We have been participating in Mardi Gras for the last 20 years and haven’t missed a year … it would be a real travesty for this organisation to be excluded (this year),’ she told reporters earlier on Monday.

A man places flowers at the Paddington residence of Jesse Baird in Sydney on Saturday

A man places flowers at the Paddington residence of Jesse Baird in Sydney on Saturday

Premier Chris Minns also backed police marching, saying not doing so would be a step backwards.

‘There are many LGBTQI members of the NSW Police Force who, over the years, particularly senior officers that have had decades worth of service, would have battled prejudice within the workforce,’ he said.

‘I think that NSW Police marching in the Mardi Gras parade is an important part of bringing the communities together.’

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