- Alleged use of excessive force at Mardi Gras draws international attention
- Petition for a full and fair investigation draws over 3,000 Australian signatures in less than 24 hours
- Minister for Police agrees to ensure oversight of internal police investigation by the NSW Ombudsman and Police Integrity Commission
Sydney, Australia – Sydney’s gay and lesbian community has drawn international attention since multiple allegations of excessive force at Saturday night’s Mardi Gras parade have surfaced.
All Out, the world’s largest movement for LGBT equality, has called on the NSW Minister for Police to ensure that investigations regarding the alleged use of excessive force against Mardi Gras-goers will be full, fair, and subject to independent oversight.
“The level of violence displayed is unacceptable. An internal investigation is a necessary but only the first step in addressing these allegations”, said Andre Banks, Executive Director and Co-founder of All Out, “Sydney’s reputation as a safe and friendly destination of choice for all people is at serious risk.”
“Police need to be protecting Pride demonstrators all over the world, from Russia, to Uganda, and Australia,” Andre Banks said.
Alex Greenwich, independent Member for Sydney has said, “The immediate and strong response of the LGBTI community has meant that government, police and Mardi Gras have been able to come together to ensure that these incidences are handled properly, and consider options for preventing these issues into the future.”
In a win for the LGBT community, the NSW Police Minister has agreed to request that the NSW Ombudsman and Police Integrity Commission both oversee the investigations as they unfold.
“We want concrete actions taken so that we know that people who were unduly harmed get justice and so that this won’t happen again,” Andre Banks said.
To see the live signature totals from All Out’s petition visit:
