Victoria Police will not participate in the Midsumma Pride March in Melbourne after organizers implemented a new policy restricting officers from marching in uniform. The force cited concerns about inclusivity and the need for officers to celebrate their authentic selves.
Victoria Police will withdraw from the annual Midsumma Pride March in Melbourne , citing a policy change by organizers that restricts officers from marching in uniform. The force confirmed its decision on Wednesday, stating that organizers only permitted participation in plain clothes or branded polo shirts, a move they deemed a step backward for inclusion.
Victoria Police emphasized their desire for officers to celebrate their authentic selves and stated that uniformed officers will still be present at the event to ensure community safety and public order. The organizers of Midsumma said they welcomed all LGBTIQ+ community members and allies to participate as long as conditions of entry were met. While expressing disappointment over Victoria Police's decision, they affirmed respect for any group's choice to opt-out. Midsumma announced a trial of march participants not wearing formal workplace uniforms, citing a trauma-informed approach informed by community and stakeholder consultations. They also clarified that the conditions of participation exclude armed security personnel accompanying groups of marchers. Organizers plan to seek feedback after this year's trial to inform future planning.This policy shift follows a confrontation between police and protesters during the 2024 march. Victoria Police reported that officers were surrounded, verbally abused, and targeted with paint bombs by up to 50 protesters. The incident prompted strong reactions from Chief Commissioner Shane Patton and Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbines, who condemned the protesters' behavior. However, an activist group involved in the protest countered that police had physically assaulted protesters, claiming officers threw individuals to the ground and punched one in the head. Transgender Victoria (TGV) also withdrew from the Midsumma march, citing community concerns regarding police engagement and treatment. They highlighted a lack of trust and called for systemic reform within Victoria Police, including cultural sensitivity education and gender-affirming data collection practices
Victoria Police Pride March Midsumma Festival LGBTQ+ Melbourne Uniform Policy Protest Inclusion Transgender Victoria TGV
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