Danielle Laidley criticises initial decision to uninvite NSW Police from Sydney Mardi Gras after officer was charged over the murders of two gay men – as it’s revealed they will be able to march in plain-clothes

Danielle Laidley has criticised the decision to uninvite NSW Police from the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade on Saturday.

The event’s organisers uninvited police from the parade following the arrest of senior constable Beau Lamarre-Condon. He is accused of the murders of Channel 10 presenter Jesse Baird, 26, and his boyfriend Luke Davies, 29.

It was then agreed that police officers will be allowed to march in the parade but in plain-clothes rather than in their uniforms ‘in consideration of current sensitivities’.

Former AFL star Danielle, 56, has now criticised the initial decision to uninvite NSW Police from the LGBTQIA+ parade.

Danielle, who is transgender, told the Herald Sun: ‘As far as I’m concerned it doesn’t matter whether you’re in the rainbow community, a police officer, or you’re from a different cultural background […] you’re either a good person or you’re not.’

Danielle Laidley has criticised the decision to uninvite NSW Police from the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade on Saturday

She also shared her devastation over the alleged murder of gay couple Mr Baird and Mr Davies, and urged people to ‘be there for each other’ and ‘support’ one another. 

‘As long as people are talking and helping each other and being there for each other it’s really important,’ she said.

‘It’s a celebration and there’s so much love and support at the Mardi Gras and it gives a chance for people to be themselves with great support.’

Singer Anthony Callea, Ellie Gonsalves and Hugh Sheridan are also among celebrities who condemned the initial decision to uninvite police from the parade.

Before the rule change to allow them to march in plain-clothes, it would have been the first Mardi Gras parade in 26 years that didn’t feature a section for police officers.

Organisers uninvited police from the parade after the arrest of senior constable Beaumont Lamarre-Condon. They will now be allowed to march in plain-clothes (stock image from 2014)

Mardi Gras organisers have announced that moment of silence will be observed for Mr Baird and Mr Davies during the parade, which is due to start at 6pm.

‘We will take a moment to honour and remember Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, whose lives were tragically taken from us,’ Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras said in a statement on Saturday.

‘This moment of commemoration serves as a powerful reminder of the bonds that unite us and the memories of those we hold dear.

‘As the Dykes on Bikes approach Taylor Square for their second pass – the heart of our Parade – they will come to a pause.

‘This serves as a signal for all attendees to join in a moment of silence.’

Elsewhere, Danielle attended the Virgin Australia’s Pride Flight party on Friday, where she and her partner Donna posed with police officers 

Mardi Gras organisers have announced that moment of silence will be observed for Mr Baird and Mr Davies during the parade, which is due to start at 6pm 

Beau Lamarre-Condon, a serving NSW Police officer, has been charged with two counts of murder. Police will allege in court that he shot Mr Baird and Mr Davies three times

Elsewhere, Danielle attended the Virgin Australia’s Pride Flight party on Friday ahead of the Mardi Gras parade.

At the event, she appeared to put the past behind her as she posed with police officers and her partner Donna at the Melbourne event. 

In 2020, cops leaked a photo of the former North Melbourne AFL player and coach wearing a wig and make-up after being arrested for stalking and breaching a family violence order, which resulted in a good behaviour bond without a conviction or fine.

Victoria Police’s internal discipline board later ordered 11 officers, ranging in rank from constable to sergeant, to pay up to $3,000 to Danielle.