A group prevented from taking part in the Mardi Gras Parade have spoken out against Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG), questioning whether the current event carries the “integrity” and “purpose” of the original march.

SYDNEY: A discussion night on Thursday will hear from a number of community groups concerned about the direction the Sydney Mardi Gras Festival is headed following a number of controversies that have arisen in recent months.

Performance artist and activist Pope Alice will hold a “DeBaptism Ceremony” at Hyde Park tomorrow afternoon, ahead of this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras, after members of the Raëlian movement were banned by organisers from taking part in the Parade when they refused to alter their float banner which was deemed offensive.

Sydney Mardi Gras has rejected claims of “censorship” by followers of the Raëlian movement after the Parade Committee objected to a proposed banner containing religious and spiritual symbols which the organisation said was “not respectful” towards other community groups.