NSW Police have been uninvited from marching at Saturday’s Mardi Gras parade in Sydney.
“The NSW Police Force has been advised that the board of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras decided to withdraw the invitation … to participate in this year’s event,” a police spokesperson.
“While disappointed with this outcome, NSW Police 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 in and supporting this Saturday’s parade.”
The explosive decision comes after serving police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon was charged with the murders of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies.
Commissioner Karen Webb said she was “disappointed and dismayed” by the decision.
“We are humans, we are representative of the community we serve and so we should be there,” she told The Daily Telegraph.
“Conversations we’ve been having are around the under reporting of crimes in the queer community. How is this going to help that?”
Police are facing difficult questions about Mr Baird and Mr Davies deaths after it was revealed that Lamarre-Condon allegedly used his police issued Glock pistol to murder his former lover and his boyfriend.
Police also revealed on Monday that a triple 0 call was made on the night of the alleged murders but it was never followed up by police.