NSW Police investigating four alleged assaults on LGBTI people during Mardi Gras

NSW Police investigating four alleged assaults on LGBTI people during Mardi Gras
Image: (Image credit: Ann-Marie Calilhanna; Star Observer)

New South Wales police are reportedly investigating at least four assaults on LGBTI people over Mardi Gras weekend.

The attacks saw men pushed over and kicked repeatedly in the area around the Parade route early on Saturday morning, triple j’s Hack reported.

NSW Police told Hack that they are reviewing incidents which occurred before, during and after this year’s Mardi Gras Parade and Party.

“Where evidence is available of attacks upon members of the LGBTIQ communities motivated by homophobia, all details will be reported to the judiciary for the imposition of sentences that reflect the extent of circumstances,” said NSW Assistant Police Commissioner Tony Crandell.

“The NSW Police Force will never condone violence, especially that motivated by homophobia at a time of LGBTIQ celebration.”

One victim, who did not wish to be named, said he was attacked while trying to catch an Uber.

“I couldn’t get one so I thought I’d walk up to the main street and that’s when the attack happened,” he said.

The man was in Sydney from Melbourne and due to march with his water polo team, the Melbourne Surge, but was unable to participate in the Parade.

He said five people set upon him, and after asking him to hand over his possessions, one person punched him, knocking him to the ground where they stomped his head.

“I managed to get away two or three times and each time they ran after me, got me back on the ground and started stomping on my head again,” he told Hack.

The news comes after two Sydney men said they were thrown out of their Uber on Sunday for being gay.

The exposure given by Mardi Gras each year can lead to an increased likelihood of assault around the event.

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3 responses to “NSW Police investigating four alleged assaults on LGBTI people during Mardi Gras”

  1. Is uber doing anything to track down the drivers who threw fee paying customers out of their hire vehicle

  2. Having been the victim of a violent past attack by 6 which required 19 stitches in the head I completely understand the pain & stress this person is going through. However having said that we all know such people in groups are around at anytime so personal safety comes first. From statements the person tried to get an Uber but couldn’t so walked. Can I suggest for ones own safety, yes we shouldn’t but you need to be real there are several taxis services and they work.

  3. Skanky straight people have a real nerve attacking us. We aren’t the ones always in the news for abusing and murdering our partners & kids. Just point that little fact out to the homophobes, that usually shuts them up.