SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that legislatures must respond to the homophobic terror attack in Orlando by embracing LGBT equality under the law.
He said: “The massacre of 50 people at Pulse nightclub in Orlando in the early hours of Sunday morning was a despicable homophobic terror attack.
“The attack has shaken the LGBT community, not only in the United States, but across the world.
“There are gay and lesbian and trans young people who woke up today more afraid than they were yesterday, more reluctant to accept who they are, more anxious about coming out to a parent or a friend.
“The pain of those who lost a loved one will be overwhelming. The people of Ireland know all too well the pain of losing brothers and sisters to those intent on violence.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Orlando today and with all those who face violence designed to suppress their identity.
“Words of condolence, however, will be cold comfort to a community in fear and in mourning following this horrific attack.
“Legislators across the world must respond by embracing LGBT equality in the eyes of the law.
“We must send a message of hope to LGBT individuals that they are not lesser, that they enhance our society and that they are as equal as any other.”
Chair of SDLP LGBT Matthew Corr added:
“The solidarity of the people of Ireland is with the victims of the Orlando massacre today.
“I can’t begin to imagine the fear in their city today but they must know that our community, which reaches beyond nationality, race or religion, is united behind them.
“The bigots who have targeted our community will never win.”