We are deeply saddened and aghast at the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando Florida that has left 49 dead and 53 injured. 

 

Our love and thoughts are with the victims, their families and their loved ones. What should have been a place to celebrate and enjoy life has tragically seen a horrifying loss of life.

 

The reasons for the Pulse nightclub shooting will be determined as the investigation proceeds, but religious extremism, stigma against LGBTIQ people and easy access to firearms clearly contributed.

 

The perpetrator of this crime is alleged to be an Islamic extremist, but there should be no mistaking that this was a hate crime against the LGBTIQ community. This hate comes from fear, and that fear comes from stigma. To ignore or deny that is to disrespect its victims and its survivors. If you stigmatise LGBTIQ people, be you Christian, Atheist, Jewish, Muslim or follower of any other faith, you're an ally of the Orlando shooter.

 

To every Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer or Questioning person, we are your allies and we stand with you.

 

The Australian Sex Party 

Monday 13th June 2016

 

 

Update: The statement was edited on Wednesday 15th June to reflect the accurate count of the deceased victims from 50 to 49.