Criticism sparked by mock crucifixion and display of Palestine flags at Sydney Mardi Gras
This year’s display has raised concerns from political candidates.
A mock crucifixion involving an Indigenous person, and the presence of Palestine flags, at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has caused a stir among political candidates.
Photos from the Mardi Gras festivities depict an individual dressed as Jesus Christ positioned against a tree, while another Indigenous person holds a spear aimed at his chest.
Gemma Noiosi, the New South Wales Libertarian Party candidate for Liverpool, questioned the use of taxpayer funding for the event.
“In any other context, this would be considered a hate crime. But no… a man dressed as Jesus in fishnets being speared by an Aboriginal individual in stripper boots is completely acceptable.”
The annual parade took place on March 1.
Daniel Lewkovitz, a security expert and former Libertarian Party candidate, speculated that Christianity would be ridiculed.
“But the only religion globally that is actively harming LGBT individuals in 2025 will escape any criticism. Why?”
During the parade, a float with the message “No pride in genocide” was present, with many attendees waving Palestinian flags.
Victorian Senator Ralph Babet criticized Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for participating in the event.
“This weekend, Prime Minister Albanese marched at Mardi Gras, once again proving that there is no marginalized group he won’t appeal to for votes,” he stated in a release.
Babet also expressed disapproval of the event.
“If it were up to me, I would cancel the event entirely,” he remarked.
“Keep your personal life private; no one needs to witness individuals openly displaying sexual preferences or parading nearly naked in public city streets.”
The parade also featured a float endorsing the “furry” subculture, where individuals dress as fluffy animals and sometimes adopt a “fursona,” a blend of the terms “fur” and “persona” to describe animal-like characteristics.
Commentators from the national public broadcaster, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, remarked that “many children simply loved it.”
Event organizers were reached out to for comment.