Buffalo, NY, Sunday, June 12, 2016

Muslim Public Affairs Council condemns horrific mass shooting targeting a gay club in Orlando, Florida in the early hours of this morning. The terror attack has taken the innocent lives of 50 and injured at least 53. Our hearts, thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with the families of the victims.

We join all Americans and  the LGBT community in expressing our profound outrage and  grief on this carnage. Such acts of senseless violence violate all norms of human decency and must be uniform condemned by all without any reservation.  Hate, bigotry and violence are not  articles of any faith and are our common enemy. We are grateful to the first responders and the law enforcement for their dedication and commitment and pray for their safety.

As we all grapple with this senseless tragedy, MPAC reaches out out to LGBT community in solidarity and in opposing hate, intolerance, and bullying which impacts both of our communities.

We urge Muslim Floridians to donate blood to aid the injured and to extend giving and prayers for all those affected by this mass shooting. We will join in a moment of silence as announced by Gov. Rick Scott of Florida at 6:00 PM today

As Muslims and as people of faith, we believe in religious freedom, civil rights, and human rights for all. We reject violence, hatred, and discrimination of anyone on the basis of race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin. May God help us all unite to defeat violence (Amen)

Sincerely,

Khalid J. Qazi
Founding President & Senior Adviser
Muslim Public Affairs Council  of WNY
(716) 213-7227

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