Debate rages over police marching at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras ahead of vote

Machine learning summary of original content via the Kagi Universal Summariser:

The debate surrounding the participation of NSW Police in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has intensified, with calls for a ban on their marching in the parade. A vote on three resolutions regarding police participation will take place at the Mardi Gras annual general meeting. Premier Chris Minns has criticized the proposed ban, calling it a "slap in the face" to police, while community consultations reveal that a majority of LGBTQ+ members oppose police involvement. The current Mardi Gras board suggests that police should only march if they demonstrate a commitment to improving relations with LGBTQIA+ communities, whereas Rainbow Labor proposes they march out of uniform, and Pride in Protest seeks an outright ban. Critics argue that police presence contradicts the parade's inclusivity, citing a history of police violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. The strained relationship between the police and the LGBTQ+ community is rooted in historical issues, including inadequate investigations into hate crimes. The inquiry into unsolved LGBTQ+ hate crimes highlighted the police's failure to support the community, further eroding trust. The discussion reflects a broader division within the LGBTQ+ community regarding police inclusion in the event.