Premium Content:

Events company says it did not make the decision to ban refugee group

ESP, the events company contracted to deliver the Pride Festival have distanced themselves from today’s controversy surrounding the decision to ban an refugee rights advocacy group from the Pride Parade.

- Advertisement -

This morning it came to light that the Refugee Action Network’s ‘Rainbows for Refugees’ entry in the parade had been rejected at the last minute. The group was informed that they could not take part in the parade because their event was a political protest.

News of the decision saw Pride WA’s social media channels flooded with complaints from supporters who highlighted the pride movement itself began as a political protest.

Within hours the decision was reversed, and the group was again given permission to take part in the parade.

While many directed their dismay at Pride WA, the events company that is contracted to deliver the parade also copped negative feedback online and abusive phone calls.

ESP have contacted OUTinPerth and stressed that they had no part in the decision to ban the group, and that they have no opinion on the Refugee Action Network. A spokesperson for the company said the decision was down to Pride WA.

The Pride Parade gets underway at 8pm tonight, and the Pride WA official after-party will be in Lot 10 South, of Yagan Square.    

OIP Staff, image: Pride Parade 2014. 


Support OUTinPerth

Thanks for reading OUTinPerth. We can only create LGBTIQA+ focused media with your help.

If you can help support our work, please consider assisting us through a one-off contribution to our GoFundMe campaign, or a regular contribution through our Patreon appeal.

Become a Supporter→     Make a contribution→ 

 

 

Latest

Neo-soul star D’Angelo dies aged 51

The singer has lost a long battle with cancer.

RMIT to lead groundbreaking research into LGBTIQA+ hate crimes in Victoria

The research will be led by Dr Jeremie Bracka and seeks to address the need for acknowledgement of policing failures and renewed attention to unsolved cases.

Greens voice support for surrogacy reform ahead of debate in Upper House

The support from The Greens drastically improves the chances of the bill becoming law.

On This Gay Day | In 1976 Lex Watson fronted an angry audience in Mt Isa

The gay rights activist faced many homophobic comments on an ABC TV program.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Neo-soul star D’Angelo dies aged 51

The singer has lost a long battle with cancer.

RMIT to lead groundbreaking research into LGBTIQA+ hate crimes in Victoria

The research will be led by Dr Jeremie Bracka and seeks to address the need for acknowledgement of policing failures and renewed attention to unsolved cases.

Greens voice support for surrogacy reform ahead of debate in Upper House

The support from The Greens drastically improves the chances of the bill becoming law.

On This Gay Day | In 1976 Lex Watson fronted an angry audience in Mt Isa

The gay rights activist faced many homophobic comments on an ABC TV program.

PrideFEST 2025: Perth Rainbow Swans dive back in to Pride Swimming Carnival

The local LGBTIQA+ swimming club are gearing up for the return of their successful Pride carnival this November.

Neo-soul star D’Angelo dies aged 51

The singer has lost a long battle with cancer.

RMIT to lead groundbreaking research into LGBTIQA+ hate crimes in Victoria

The research will be led by Dr Jeremie Bracka and seeks to address the need for acknowledgement of policing failures and renewed attention to unsolved cases.

Greens voice support for surrogacy reform ahead of debate in Upper House

The support from The Greens drastically improves the chances of the bill becoming law.