WA Police Commissioner, Karl O’Callaghan has disappointed members of the GLBTIQ community and their supporters by announcing he will not allow police officers to wear their uniforms in this year’s Pride Parade.
Police Officers marching in uniform, including the former Victorian Police Commissioner, have received enthusiastic support when participating in eastern states pride parades and official participation in events such as Mardi Gras have been seen as important steps in reconciling what have sometimes been fraught relationships between police and the GLBTIQ community. However, despite Pride celebrating 20 years in action this year, the WA police will not be marching.
Pride WA co-president, Charles Denham told OUTinPerth that the last time WA police marched in the parade, about five years ago, it was a very positive experience.
‘They marched in civilian clothes, but they did have a banner saying who they were and they were very well received. The crowd loved it,’ he said.
In a statement sent to OUTinPerth, Mr O’Callaghan explained that it is against police policy to allow officers to march in any parade, regardless of the organising group.
‘This is a policy that applies to many situations and events where police request to wear their uniform,’ stated Mr O’Callaghan.
‘Police officers are not permitted to wear their police uniform if they are not representing WA Police.
‘In this instance (the Gay Parade) they are representing themselves.’
Perth Lord Mayor and strong supporter of the GLBTIQ community, Lisa Scaffidi said the Police Commissioner’s comments show that events like the Pride Parade are still needed.
‘In my opinion, it is sad that the Commissioner will not show more tolerance towards his gay officers as it enables them to be proud of who they are,’ she told OUTinPerth.
‘A greater show of tolerance will enable us to move forward as a society that accepts and enables diversity to be apparent and not only talked about.’
In light of the current debate about the safety of police officers, Ms Scaffidi admits that the danger is equally as great for gay and lesbian officers as with their heterosexual counterparts.
‘Gay Police Officers would be in their duties, very often putting their lives on the line or at risk and don’t shy away from their role in doing so, so why should they be made to feel they have to shy away from who they truly are as people?’
Charles Denham is not optimistic that Mr O’Callaghan will change his decision, but is hoping gay and lesbian police officers will still participate in civilian clothes.
‘Overall it’s a very disappointing comment.’
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