Al-anwar Newspaper English news in Australia
Thousands of people — costumed and glittered — are lining the streets of Sydney tonight for the 38th annual Mardi Gras parade.
When Mr Turnbull was asked about the significance of being the first prime minister to attend the event, he said it was something he had always done.
“That’s for others to judge, but this is an event that Lucy [his wife] and I have attended for many many years. I think it’s a wonderful event in the life of Sydney, and I’m delighted to be here,” he said.
Mr Shorten said at the event Labor would introduce gay marriage if elected.
“It’s a political statement, that people should be treated equally in this country, and free of discrimination,” he said.
“I can promise people, that if Labor is elected at the federal election, within 100 days, we will introduce a law to make marriage equality a reality in Australia.”
This year will mark the 20th year New South Wales police have taken part in the parade and tonight 40 officers will march, many of whom are GLLOs — Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers.
And for the first time, Australian Olympians and Paralympians were to have their own Mardi Gras float, in an effort to raise awareness about diversity in sport.
“This week, for the very first time we march in support for inclusiveness, acceptance without discrimination and diversity,” Kowalski said ahead of the parade.
The National Rugby League backed another float — complete with goal posts and artificial grass — to convey the same message.
On a more political note, the “No Pride in Detention” float highlighted the plight of two gay refugees now living on the Pacific island of Nauru.
“We are the next generation and we have to pass it on,” 16-year-old Megan Robinson said of same-sex marriage. “There’s no harm in being who you are and loving who you are.”
“Let’s be there for everyone. It’s about acceptance. The more we stand out for these people, the more people will recognise it,” another supporter Millie-Lee Fontaine said.
The theme of this year’s Mardi Gras is momentum — continuing to build on acceptance of the LGBTQ community and driving the gay marriage movement forward.
“There are so many people struggling with this issue that if a game like ours can say that it’s okay to be the person you are, then maybe we can improve their well-being and hopefully reduce the rates of suicide and self-harm,” said former player Paul Langmack.
This year is the first since the New South Wales Parliament apologised for the way those who took part in the 1978 protest were treated, including being arrested and beaten.
Drivers are being asked to avoid driving in the city, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Moore Park due to road closures.
Bus routes through the area have changed and Museum Station has now closed.
