"Mardi Gras is an important event celebrating sexual orientation and gender diversity" said Air Force Squadron Leader Vince Chong "the decision removes any doubts about gay people having successful careers in the military"

The Australian Defence Force has cleared gay members

 to march in uniform in next year's 

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

The move comes 20 years after the ADF lifted a ban on homosexuals in the armed forces.

A statement issued by the ADF says soldiers, sailors and air men and women will march in formation in the parade in March next year.

They have been allowed to join a Defence Force contingent in the parade for the last five years, but not in uniform.

The chair of the Defence Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Information Service says the last request for permission in 2006 was refused.

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