Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras

The Rev Fred Nile MLC, Leader of the Christian Democratic Party, gave the following address to the NSW Parliament concerning the 2010 Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras. Contrary to media reports, Fred Nile did not rant, but gave his usual calm presentation.

"Tonight I wish to speak about the New South Wales Government's homosexual and lesbian Mardi Gras parade, which was held on 27 February 2010. Why do I call it the New South Wales Government's Mardi Gras parade? I have obtained sufficient information about the involvement in the parade of so many government departments, government equipment, government vehicles and government staff in uniforms, to give one the impression that it was sponsored by the New South Wales Government. I believe that what goes on in the Mardi Gras parade is not supported by the community. Obviously, the parade can be held but it should not have official government involvement and endorsement in this way, particularly when men are dressed as Catholic nuns calling themselves the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, other men are dressed as church bishops wearing large crosses on their dresses, and other men are almost naked wearing only leather straps and other unfavourable material", said Rev Fred Nile.

"Indeed, one float, which I assume related to the Muslim community, showed Bin Laden as a hero waving to the crowd as if he was the guest of honour at the Mardi Gras parade. I am sure both Muslims and non-Muslims would not have been impressed with that presentation. Why do I call it the New South Wales Government's Mardi Gras parade? Because a large number of Government vehicles and uniformed staff took part as the parade proceeded along Oxford Street. First, New South Wales RailCorp officially promoted the Mardi Gras parade on Sydney's railway stations with large posters. Who authorised and paid for that promotion? Who paid for the posters? I assume they were paid for by RailCorp. I am sure rural members of the Rural Fire Service would not have been happy to see the participation of a Rural Fire Service vehicle with staff in uniform in the parade. Who gave approval for that? To round it off, a government-owned Sydney bus with a driver in uniform took part in the parade. I believe it endangered many participants who were dancing in the parade. There was a government bus in the midst of pedestrians on Oxford Street who were dancing and taking part in various group activities. Who gave approval for the bus to be used in the parade? Who paid the expenses for the government vehicles and staff who participated in the parade? Were the uniformed staff paid? Were they on leave? I assume that they were being paid.

Also in the parade was a group of New South Wales police officers marching as a unit. They were fully equipped with their normal police uniform. Were they on duty? Were they paid? Were they covered by workers compensation if there was an accident in the parade? Was their participation approved by the Commissioner of Police or the Minister for Police? I believe the New South Wales Police Association would have had questions about that. Then there was a large group of people in uniform who claimed to represent New South Wales surf clubs. Did New South Wales surf club organisations approve their official participation in the parade? Who gave that permission? It is also disappointing that the program contained a commendation from the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, which set a precedent. That did not happen with the previous Prime Minister. As well, the Lord Mayor of Sydney was proud to be treated as the guest of honour in the parade. I call on the Government to disassociate itself from the Mardi Gras parade", Rev Nile stated.