NSW Police Mardi Gras compromise after double murder

Police have been allowed to march in the festival's parade, held on March 2, providing their uniforms are left at home.

"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 as they have done for the past 20 years," NSW police commissioner Karen Webb said.

This comes after a NSW Police constable, Beau Lamarre-Condon, was charged with two counts of murder over the deaths of Luke Davies and Jesse Baird.

The compromise was supported by independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich who welcomed police "rejoining the Mardi Gras parade out of uniform".

"This is significant step in the LGBTQ community and police working together to improve community safety," he said.

"The focus must now shift to what supports are needed to improve the wellbeing of LGBTQ people across NSW."

But the decision to allow police to march has also drawn criticism with one X (formerly Twitter) user saying it was "bulldozing community sentiment and showing complete disregard".

The decision by organisers follows the board disinviting NSW Police from the 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," the Sydney Mardi Gras Board said in a statement.

"In recent days many have voiced their concerns to us, particularly regarding feelings of unease at the Parade," the statement said.

"Their concerns centre 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.

"In light of this, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Board feels that having the NSW Police march this year could add to the distress within our communities, already deeply affected by recent events. The Board has taken the decision to request that the Police do not march in the 2024 Parade."

Mardi Gras is on March 2, 2024.