Written by Eliza McPhee, Daily Mail Australia
February 7, 2024 23:00, Updated February 7, 2024 23:03
Ray Hadley questioned why gay groups would march in support of Palestine at this year's Mardi Gras, given homosexuality is banned in Gaza.
The group Pride in Protest says it opposes transphobia and stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people amid the conflict in the Middle East.
Members will be riding a float that will be paraded down Sydney's Oxford Street on March 2nd, festooned with the Palestinian flag and a flag supporting transgender people.
“They're marching in support of Gaza. If they march in Gaza or any other part of the Middle East, they're either going to jail or they're going to die. Take your pick.” Mr Hadley told 2GB on Wednesday morning.
“Same-sex couples are not recognized in Gaza, but there are still some ill-informed people here who have no idea what's going on.
“That's why they march in this democratic society, where we live in support of a regime that does not tolerate their lifestyle.”
In Gaza, men who engage in homosexual relationships can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
Pride in Protest claims they are marching to demand “an end to genocidal pinkwashing” and “the liberation of Palestine”.
Pinkwashing is a term often used to criticize Israel's advancement of its LGBTQ+ rights record in the face of accusations of human rights abuses against Palestinians.
“Tens of thousands of Palestinians were massacred by the Israeli government as soldiers raised pride flags over mass graves,” the group said.
“Let's march together and say, 'We have no pride in genocide!' ”
Pride in Protest said this year's Mardi Gras theme is “transgender pride, not genocide.”
“We will flood our Mardi Gras parades with Palestinian flags and messages of solidarity to take a beating against pinkwashing and show support for those facing violence in Gaza and the West Bank.”
A gay Jewish man who asked to remain anonymous spoke to Hadley and said he was “confused” by the group's messages.
“Jews should never feel safe and welcome, regardless of their position on the current conflict,” he said.
The man said he would choose not to participate in this year's Mardi Gras parade.
“Basically what they're saying is that people who support Israel and Zionists shouldn't be welcome at Mardi Gras,” he said.
“It’s very disruptive to have a float within a marginalized community that can potentially marginalize a community.”
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Pride in Protest for comment.
A Mardi Gras spokesperson said the festival “champions diversity and inclusion.”
“We understand that our community includes a wide range of perspectives and opinions on a variety of issues,” they said.
“Our role is to foster a safe and respectful environment for the LGBTQIA community to celebrate and express themselves.
“We do not endorse outside messages. We have and will continue to engage directly with participants to address their concerns to foster a supportive and safe environment.”
