South Scotland MSP Joan McAlpine has praised expressions of solidarity from Scotland and Dumfries following Sunday’s homophobic attack in Orlando.
Commenting, Ms McAlpine said:
“The loss of life in Orlando is appalling, as it was in Paris and all the other hateful terrorist atrocities. Orlando is different in that it deliberately targeted gay people – it was a homophobic attack. Our response therefore should be to root out homophobia in our own communities, because as long as it exists, none of us can honestly say it could not happen here.
“That is why I praise the response of Scotland and Dumfries with vigils and other expressions of solidarity . The Scottish Government flew the rainbow flag at half mast as a mark of respect and Dumfries did the same after an appeal from Richard Arkless MP.
“With other MSPs I will observe a minute’s silence in the Scottish Parliament today. These demonstrations are important but we should remember to put their sentiment into practice by condemning anti LGBT language and behaviour wherever we encounter it.”
