Radio Host Ben Fordham Criticises 'Queers for Gaza' Chants at Sydney Mardi Gras Rally
Prominent 2GB radio host Ben Fordham has expressed strong disapproval after demonstrators at Sydney's Mardi Gras Fair Day were heard chanting the slogan 'Queers for Gaza'. The broadcaster voiced his frustration over the chants shouted during the protest in Sydney on Sunday, which also featured calls for enhanced anti-discrimination legislation, better access to gender-affirming healthcare, and an end to police violence.
Fordham Questions Awareness of LGBTQ Rights Under Hamas
Footage from the demonstration captured protesters shouting 'Queers for Gaza' and 'Globalise the intifada', prompting Fordham to question whether participants fully understood the reality of LGBTQ rights in Gaza under Hamas rule. 'Do these people know what happens to queers in Gaza?' he asked his listeners. 'Under Hamas rule, LGBTQ rights are non‑existent. If you're gay, trans or bisexual, you're prosecuted.'
Fordham argued that chanting such slogans might not achieve the intended effect, stating: 'If they think that chanting "Queers for Gaza" is going to solve anything, think again.' The rally also featured a chant similar to one used by former Australian of the Year Grace Tame at a previous protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog: 'From Gadigal to Gaza, Long Live the intifada.'
Political Figures Call for Ban on 'Intifada' Phrase
Flyers distributed at the event explained that 'intifada means uprising', but this terminology has drawn significant political backlash. NSW Premier Chris Minns and Queensland Premier David Crisafulli have both advocated for banning the phrase, arguing it can be interpreted as a call for violent uprising.
During Senate estimates last week, Foreign Minister Penny Wong was questioned by Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash about the government's interpretation of 'globalise the intifada'. Wong referenced Australia's Envoy for Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, who stated the phrase 'was used to whip up hatred against Jews', with Wong agreeing: 'I think [Segal] is right.'
Rally Organised by Pride in Protest with Greens Involvement
The demonstration was organised by the activist group Pride in Protest, with current and former Greens candidates in attendance. Greens candidate for Fowler, Avery Howard, led the march, while Hannah Thomas, who contested Grayndler against Anthony Albanese in 2025, addressed the crowd. Thomas previously gained media attention after sustaining a serious eye injury during an arrest at a protest last June; the police officer involved has since been charged.
Before marching to Mardi Gras Fair Day in Victoria Park, protesters gathered at Pride Square in Newtown, opposite Newtown Station, displaying banners reading 'Queers for Gaza'. The rally also included sharp criticism of NSW Police, with chants such as: 'I smell bacon, I smell grease, I smell NSW Police.'
Police Conduct Under Scrutiny Following Rally Incidents
Pride in Protest has long criticised Mardi Gras organisers for inviting NSW Police to festival events since its formation in 2018, a stance that intensified after the Herzog protest at Sydney Town Hall. Footage from the rally shows protesters being punched and pushed to the ground during arrests, including a 76-year-old man.
Premier Minns has defended police actions after the state's police watchdog announced an investigation into alleged misconduct at the rally, stating officers were placed in an 'impossible situation.' A video of police issuing a move‑on order to a group of Muslim men while they were praying drew widespread backlash, with Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon later clarifying that the direction was not targeted at any religious group and apologising for 'any offence taken for interfering with that religious process.'
The matter is now being handled by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), the independent body overseeing the NSW Police Force. Once the investigation is complete, the LECC will table a public report to the NSW Parliament, potentially influencing future policing policies at similar events.
