It seems probable that the annual epicentre for LGBTIQA pride, Sydney’s Mardi Gras, is about to terminate its long-standing invitation to police. A bitter debate exploded into the mainstream earlier in the year. This Saturday, Mardi Gras members will gather for the AGM and consider a total police ban.

Who is and isn’t marching in a pride parade might seem a little marginal to justify this controversy, so why has the idea captured such attention?

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb (centre) marches with colleagues in the 2023 Mardi Gras parade.Credit: AP / Mark Baker

The Mardi Gras was born in police brutality, our queer history interwoven with police oppression. But even more motivating for many, is that exclusion of........

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