National

Senator Lidia Thorpe clashes with police at Mardi Gras

By AAP Newswire

Feb 26, 2023

LIDIA THORPE PRESSER — Senator Lidia Thorpe has been 'moved on" by police at Mardi Gras after lying in front on a float. -AAP Image

Federal senator Lidia Thorpe was moved on from the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade by police after footage showed her lying on the street and temporarily halting the parade.

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In a video of the incident shared on social media, the Indigenous independent senator can be seen lying on her back in front of the truck on Oxford Street during the Saturday night parade.

Two police officers then approach Senator Thorpe as the crowd began to boo.

"Get rid of her! Get rid of her," a person in the crowd chanted during the incident.

She then got up to her feet and can be seen talking with police and Mardi Gras crew.

"About 9pm last night a woman lay in front of a float on Oxford Street, momentarily preventing the progress of the parade," NSW Police told AAP on Sunday.

"She was later removed from the parade at the request of organisers for breaching the terms of her participation."

NSW Police directed further inquiries to the organisers of Sydney Mardi Gras, who have been contacted for comment.

AAP has contacted the office of Senator Thorpe for comment.