Sydney Mardi Gras Votes to Retain NSW Police in Parade After Narrow Decision

All three motions to ban or restrict NSW Police participation in the 2025 parade were narrowly defeated at the annual general meeting.

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras narrowly voted against three motions to exclude or restrict NSW Police from marching in the 2025 parade.
The first motion, proposed by the Mardi Gras board, sought to ban police until they demonstrated improved relations with LGBTQIA+ communities but was defeated by 34 votes.
A second motion by Rainbow Labor, allowing police to march only out of uniform and without weapons, was also rejected by members.
Activist group Pride in Protest’s proposal to fully ban police from the parade without the possibility of rejoining in the future was similarly defeated.
The Mardi Gras board will meet within 10 days to discuss the outcomes and make a final decision regarding police participation in the parade.