Members of Wollongong’s LGBTQI community who were poised to protest an anti same-sex marriage event, will instead come together for a peaceful vigil for the victims of the Florida massacre.
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A flyer circulated last week promoting a planned talk by the Australian Family Association (AFA) about the “impacts’’ of same-sex marriage to be held at St Therese Catholic Primary School’s hall on Tuesday night had caused concern among both the LGBTQI and broader community.
Unity Wollongong president Rob Kandalaft and member Emma Rodrigues said in light of the Florida “atrocity” they welcomed those planning to attend the AFA meeting, to join the LGBTQI community, supporters, family and friends in a peaceful vigil.
“We are mourning across the world. This affects all of us,” Ms Rodrigues said.
“This is our opportunity to demonstrate that hate does not equal hate, that oppression does not equal oppression.
“We hope that those attending the meeting will stand with us in unity against such an atrocity instead of opening their hearts and their minds and ears to propaganda of a minority within the Christian community.
“For many in our community, this meeting is seen as another assault on our freedom and our democratic right to be equal in this country.
“Given this recent atrocity, this is our way of demonstrating that we will stand together as a community for what we believe, which is tolerance and love and acceptance, the things all of Australia should stand for.
“We heart-warmingly welcome those attending the meeting to come and join us.” Mr Kandalaft said the vigil was the most effective way to get Unity Wollongong’s message across.
“We want people to come together as a community and create unity,” he said.
Ms Rodrigues, who visited Orlando only four weeks ago, said she was heartbroken by reports of the mass shooting.
“I know many in the community in Orlando and my heart goes out to them,” she said.
“We need to give our community time and space and support to mourn over this huge senseless, hateful crime and the loss of our community members in Orlando.”
The vigil will get underway on Tuesday, June 14 from 7pm outside St Therese Primary School in West Wollongong. Those attending are encouraged to bring a candle or share a poem.