Protesters and police clash at anti-violence rally ahead of Mardi Gras

2 Mar 2024

SBS Australia

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Protesters and police clash at antiviolence rally ahead of Mardi Gras

A group of LGBTIQ+ community members and allies gathered to protest against police violence and called for members of the force to be removed from Sydney's Mardi Gras parade.

Key Points

Protesters gathered in Sydney to rally against violence, calling for police to be removed from Mardi Gras.
The protesters allege they were met by police on Oxford St, and claim police instigated violence.
NSW police said protesters were removed from the road for their own safety and said no complaints had been received.

LGBTIQ+ community members and allies have clashed with police on the eve of Mardi Gras, with protesters accusing officers of "instigating violence".

Around 300 people gathered at Sydney's Taylor Square on Friday night to protest against police violence and call for members of the force to be removed from , according to activist group Pride in Protest.

Speakers paid tribute to who were allegedly murdered last week by a serving police officer, and spoke about institutionalised violence against LGBTIQ+ and First Nations communities.

They then took to Oxford Street, where they were met by police.

Video footage shows protesters chanting "go home pigs" and "no cops, no bigots" as police physically move them off the road.

Protesters allege officers instigated violence against those taking part in the demonstration and began pushing, hitting, and threatening people.

"We came out in numbers on the eve of Mardi Gras to protest systemic police violence still present in our community some 46 years after the 78ers first marched down Oxford Street," Wei, a Pride in Protest member, said.

"Police have shown us time and time again that they are not our friends, they don't protect our community, rather they abuse and put some of our most vulnerable community members in direct harm."

NSW police said officers responded to reports of an unauthorised protest and directed the crowd off the road for their own safety.

"About 8.30pm, the group moved onto the roadway, blocking all vehicle traffic at the intersection of Oxford and Flinders Street. With the assistance of additional police, the crowd were directed to move onto the footpath," NSW police said in a statement.

"Those who did not comply with police directions were physically removed."

The crowd later dispersed, with part of the group heading to the Sydney Police Centre, where they continued to protest.

"As the group dispersed, they moved onto Goulburn Street, again blocking vehicle traffic before police intervened moving them onto the footpath," NSW police said.

There were no reports of any property being damaged, people being injured, or any arrests being made, police said.

The Mardi Gras board on Monday asked NSW police not to take part in Saturday's parade, due to the additional distress it could cause the LGBTIQ+ community following Baird and Davies' deaths.

But on Wednesday afternoon, it was announced .