Why London Police can't wear their uniform to the Pride Parade, despite a good relationship

For a second year,London Police officers will not be allowed to wear their uniforms while marching in the London Pride Parade.

"I don't see a timeline of when we'll see uniforms in the parade again. I don't know if we'll ever see that," said Pride London Festival President Andrew Rosser, whose organization banned the uniforms fromlast year's LondonPride Parade. At the time, Rosser said members were concerned about police in uniform taking part.

He suggests there's a deep, challenging history the uniform carries and it's one that doesn't allow everyone to feel comfortable.

"The uniform is still a sign of oppression, especially for marginalized communities,"he said. "There are still indigenous people, people of colour and youth that are still marginalized by police and are maybe unfairly treated," he added.

On Thursday, the pride flag was raised at London Police Service headquarters to mark the start of the London Pride Festival, something Rosser says signals the police service'ssupport to continue to strengthen their relationship London's LGBTQ2S+ community.

"It shows solidarity with our community and it shows that they're committed to having the conversations that are needed to be more inclusive with the LGBTQ2S+ community," he said.

But relations between London Police andthe LGBTQ2S+ community haven't always been as amicable.

Back in 1993, several activists within the LGBTQ2S+ community accused London's police chiefof targeting homosexuals after 60 men were charged with various sex crimes involving young boys.

"It's important for us to continue to build our relationship and show them we support theircommunity," said Diversity Officer Bory Sreng.

Sreng says although they respect the decision to ban uniforms from the London Pride Parade, there are officers whowish they could wear their uniforms.

"[Officers]are going to be sad and disappointed in not being able to walk in the parade with their uniforms,"Sreng told CBC News. "It's our profession and we take pride in wearing our uniform," he added.

AlthoughRossersays there's no guarantee officers will ever be welcomed to march in uniform, he says the Londonpolice's decision to respect their request shows true commitment.

"Thisshows they're listening to the community and they're still going to be there to support us," he added.

The 2019 London Pride Parade will be taking place Sunday, July 28.