Orlando massacre: Hundreds attend Irish vigils of solidarity

Hundreds of people who attended a vigil in Dublin last night wanted to show solidarity with the victims of the Orlando attack but also defiance against terrorism and homophobia, Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar has said.

More than 500 people attended a vigil organised by the Irish LGBT community in support of those killed and injured in the Orlando nightclub attack at the weekend.

The LGBT community in Limerick also held a candlelight vigil in the city yesterday.

Speaking at the Dublin event, Mr Varadkar described the Orlando attack as “really shocking”.

“The most important thing when it comes to any act of terrorism or homophobia is that we do not allow them to force us to change the way we live our lives. If we allow that, then they win.

“I think what we see here today is a symbol, a vigil of condolence and also a demonstration of defiance that we are not going to allow terrorism or homophobia to force us in any way to change the way we live our lives.”

Pride festival

Mr Varadkar said it was very important that the attack did not frighten people from taking part in the forthcoming Pride festival in Dublin.

“Last year Pride was a celebration of the [marriage equality] referendum result. This year has to be a parade of solidarity with those in Florida and also of defiance against those who would seek to use violence, terrorism and hatred to force people to change how they live their lives. We cannot allow that to happen.”

Taoiseach’s condolences

Taoiseach Enda Kenny wrote to US president Barack Obama to offer the condolences of the people and government of

Ireland

for “the shocking loss of life in Orlando”.

“Once again we have witnessed the horror of young people being attacked as they enjoy themselves in their own community,” wrote Mr Kenny. “Words cannot capture the shock and revulsion felt in Ireland, and around the world, at this outrage.”

Heartened

The director of the

Gay

and Lesbian Equality Network,

Brian Sheehan

, said: “We were heartened to see such a large turnout coming to express their solidarity with LGBT people and communities in Orlando, the US and across the world.

“There was a shared sense amongst all there that we will continue to find ways to show our solidarity, and to keep working to ensure that LGBT people are safe and affirmed, in Ireland and across the world.”