Meta profited from anti-LGBTQ+ ads despite entering float in Sydney Mardi Gras

Company accepted money from groups such as the Australian Christian Lobby, who labelled a drag queen event as an attempt to sexualise innocent toddlers'

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Meta has accepted thousands of dollars from Australian groups promoting anti-LGBTQ+ messages on Facebook, despite the social media company having a float in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to show its support for the community.

Meta staff and Instagram influencers are preparing to march on Sydney's Oxford Street on Saturday under the theme of Connect with Pride, by Instagram, Powered by Meta" as one of more than 200 floats in the parade.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup