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Mourning Orlando victims as human beings
In a recent letter to the editor, “Violence against LGBTQ Americans,” Mr. Jonathan Cabrera expressed concern that my e-kilili newsletter last week did not mention that the victims of the Orlando shooting were mostly LGBTQ Americans or that the shooting occurred in a gay nightclub.
I do recognize that what happened in Orlando is particularly traumatic for our LGBTQ community. This community is too often the target of attack, which is why I have served as a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus and why I have worked on legislation that would protect LGBTQs from sexual violence, harassment, and discrimination.
But when one of these now all-too-common acts of terrorism and violence occurs in our nation, my first thought is not about the race, or culture, religion, age, gender identity, or sexual orientation of the victims. My response is to mourn the victims all as fellow human beings.
And whenever these horrible acts occur it just strengthens my belief that we have to change our laws to keep lethal weapons out of the hands of those who have no respect for the sanctity of human life.
I thank Mr. Cabrera for sharing his feelings. I always appreciate feedback from the people I serve in Congress.
Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan
CNMI Delegate to U.S. Congress
