Statement on Mass Shootings in Orlando, Florida

June 12, 2016 — The Workmen’s Circle issued the following statement today in the aftermath of the mass shooting incident at an Orlando, Florida, nightclub early this morning:

“The events that transpired earlier today in Orlando are horrific and sobering.  Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in Florida and to the LGBTQ community nationwide.   As an organization, we strive to achieve a fair and just community and world.   Episodes such as this mass slaughter of people reinforces our country’s desperate need to adopt laws, policies and practices that protect our citizens from this epidemic of gun violence, and especially from assault weapons and we call for action to be taken now that fast tracks the passage of such laws.  

And, this tragedy must also serve to motivate us to redouble our efforts to seek ways to embrace our differences instead of using them as the means to divide our community. We mourn the loss of all life, and at a moment in history such as this reflect both on how far we’ve come and how far we – as a society – still have to go.”