Statement on Orlando shooting

In the wake of the mass shooting that killed at least fifty people at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Secular Pro-Life reaffirms its strong support for LGBT people. The right to life is inalienable, and certainly not conditioned upon any person's sexuality. Many of our members are queer and we mourn this affront to their rights and their sense of safety.

At this time, reports indicate that the shooter was inspired by ISIS. We place the blame for this atrocity squarely where it belongs: with the shooter and those who aided or abetted him. Just as it is wrong to smear the entire pro-life movement when someone claiming the "pro-life" label commits a violent act, it is wrong to paint law-abiding Muslims with a broad brush. Secular Pro-Life is proud to work peacefully alongside people of all faiths, including Islam, toward a more just society.

Finally, we urge our readers to take concrete actions to honor the memory of the victims. Be generous. If you are able, donate blood and/or funds to disaster relief groups. Give your time. Let us come together in a spirit of volunteerism like we did after 9/11.