New top cop to march

New top cop to march

In his first 12 months in the top job, new Victoria Police chief commissioner Ken Lay will march in this year’s Victoria Pride March in St Kilda.

Lay will be the third Victorian chief commissioner to do so, following on from predecessors Simon Overland and Christine Nixon.

Recently returned Victoria Police Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit manager Sgt Scott Davis said he received confirmation Lay would march today.

“It’s great he’ll uphold the tradition of the last 11 years of police participation in the event,” Davis told the Star Observer.

“Last year Victoria Police launched its Prejudice Motivate Crime strategy and that’s all about connecting with the community.

“That’s exactly what Pride March does really well, so it’s encouraging to have him involved.”

Pride March Victoria president Brett Hayhoe also welcomed the announcement.

“I am over the moon,” Hayhoe told the Star Observer.

“It has particular significance for the LGBT community as most people would be aware, for many years the relationship between the gay and lesbian community and police was, shall we say, less than amicable.

“That has certainly changed to the betterment of both.”

Lay is set to lead police in the march and give a short speech in Catani Gardens.

Last night Pride March Victoria held a launch for this year’s event outside St Kilda Town Hall.

At the launch, City of Port Phillip Mayor Rachel Powning spoke in favour of allowing marriage equality in Australia.

The Pride March along Fitzroy St will be held on Sunday, February 5.

INFO: www.pridemarch.com.au

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2 responses to “New top cop to march”

  1. Having worked with Ken Lay when he was a mere Sergeant (yes, many, many years ago) and I was an openly gay “young” officer, I always found him to be honest, supportive & a believer in individual rights and choices in both one’s professional and personal lives.
    No surprises here that he retains those values and will join the Parade to affirm them for all to see.
    Good on you Ken, you’re still one of the “Good Guys”.