Activist Group Excluded from Sydney Mardi Gras Following Social Media Dispute
Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets of Sydney for Saturday night's 48th Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, but a prominent activist float has been removed at the last minute. Pride in Protest, a left-wing organisation known for marching with Palestinian flags in previous years, has been banned from participating in this year's event.
Controversial Instagram Post Leads to Exclusion
The controversy stems from an Instagram post by Pride in Protest that characterised the Jewish float Dayenu as 'pro-genocide' and accused them of supporting genocide. Mardi Gras chief executive Jesse Matheson emailed the group at 11am on Friday, requesting removal of the post and giving them until 5pm that same day to comply.
Pride in Protest did not respond to the email, resulting in their exclusion from the parade. Group spokesperson Jean Maxine explained that the emails were sent during business hours to a member who was at work and unable to respond promptly. The organisation declined to comment further on what they called a 'shameful decision' when contacted by media outlets.
'We did not comply with Minns' pro-genocide crackdown via anti-protest laws, and we have not complied with this censorship by the Mardi Gras CEO,' the group stated on their Facebook page on Friday.
Enhanced Security Measures for Major Event
Meanwhile, more than 10,000 marchers and 200 floats will participate in Saturday night's parade under the theme 'Ecstatica.' Mr Matheson described the theme as 'about euphoria as resistance, a reminder that our collective queer joy is on a break from the battle.'
This year's parade will feature floats from major corporations including Canva, Coles and Qantas, alongside emergency services groups such as NSW SES Pride, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police and NSW Ambulance. Following the recent Bondi terrorist attack, enhanced security measures will be in place with police from the Public Order and Riot Squad carrying high-powered rifles, though authorities have confirmed there is no specific, active or imminent threat to public safety.
Parade Details and Transportation Arrangements
The main procession begins at 7.30pm, proceeding along Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade before passing through the Taylor Square Glitter Club viewing area. The parade is scheduled to conclude at 10.30pm.
For the first time for an event other than New Year's Eve, Sydney will operate a 24-hour public transport timetable:
- Train, light rail and metro services will run continuously
- Metro services will operate every five minutes from 5pm until midnight
- Additional late-night train services will assist parade-goers returning home
- Light rail services will run around the clock until 5am Sunday
Transport for NSW coordinator-general Howard Collins advised attendees to 'leave the car at home' as vehicles parked in closed areas will be towed. Major road closures across Sydney's CBD to Moore Park will be in effect from 4pm Saturday until 2am Sunday.
Weather Concerns and Event Changes
Unfortunately for parade enthusiasts, the wet weather that has affected Sydney in recent days is expected to continue, with showers possible from around 8pm. The state government has extended business hours until midnight for shops, bars, clubs, restaurants, breweries and live music venues across multiple suburbs including Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Newtown.
In a significant change from previous years, the traditional after-party has been cancelled as organisers work to secure the event's financial future. Mr Matheson explained that rising production and infrastructure costs made continuing the party financially irresponsible. The decision follows the withdrawal of support from major partners Google and Meta in 2025.
'This decision was not taken lightly,' Mr Matheson stated earlier this month. 'Facing an existential threat to the future of Mardi Gras, and with new sponsorship uncertain, it was absolutely the right decision.'
The parade will be broadcast live on ABC TV and ABC iview from 7.30pm, with free public viewing available along the route despite the cancellation of the traditional post-parade celebration.
