Sydney-based Twenty10 said Parramatta Mayor John Chedid took offence to promotional banners it erected at the Rediscover the River family festival on January 17.
The organisation was invited by the council to attend the event and said it was holding workshops and flying kites with children, supervised by their parents, when the row unfolded.
"We were advised by a direct representative of the Lord Mayor, John Chedid, who after viewing our site and signage, directed us to remove our signage because it was 'offensive'," Twenty10 said in a statement.
The banners read: "Twenty10 - a place to be you. Support services for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, same-sex attracted and gender-diverse young people, their families and communities."
It’s understood the order came from a representative of Cr Chedid. An online petition hosted at change.org attracted more than 12,000 signatures demanding that Cr Chedid apologise over the incident, and that was apparently enough to force the mayor to oblige.
In his letter provided to Twenty10, Cr Chedid said that there was never any intent to offend or infer any prejudice towards the organisation.
“It is regretful that these actions were taken and it is right to apologise for the angst it has caused,” Cr Chedid said.
WSBA contacted Parramatta City Council’s media department which reaffirmed its previous statement that Cr Chedid did not wish to make further comment on the matter.
But former Lord mayor, Lorraine Wearne said she was concerned the controversy would impact upon Parramatta LGA.
"I am conrcerned about how some may interpret the events of the day. Parramatta historically has been a very diverse and welcoming place," Cr Wearne told WSBA.
An earlier statement issued by Council said: “In response to numerous complaints made by members of the public, organisers of the Rediscover the River event asked Twenty10 to remove two promotional banners. At no stage did the Lord Mayor or council staff ask Twenty10 to quit their participation at the event.”
It went on to say that Council regretted any inconvenience or offence taken by its actions and valued the efforts, and contribution of Twenty10 in servicing at-risk youth.
“Council has enjoyed a positive relationship with Twenty10 over some time and hopes to continue to work in partnership over the coming years,” the statement said.
Twenty10’s acting managing director, Terence Humphreys, said that “following the outpouring of community concern and online social media campaigns, Twenty10 incorporating GLCSNSW” had been pleased to have finally received a letter from Cr Chedid.
“The letter issues an apology for the actions taken at the Rediscover the River event held by Parramatta City Council last week, at which Twenty10 was asked to take down their signage,” he said.
Mr Humphreys added: “We are glad to accept the apology and to begin further discussions with the Lord Mayor, his office and the Parramatta City Council to prevent similar situations in future.”
