PM attends Sydney service for victims of Orlando shooting

As hymns filled St Andrew's Cathedral in Sydney, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull bowed his head in memory of those killed during the Orlando massacre.

PM Malcolm Turnbull (centre) stands next to his wife Lucy(3rd left) and NSW Premier Mike Baird (4th right) during a church service for the Orlando shootings

PM Malcolm Turnbull (centre) stands next to his wife Lucy(3rd left) and NSW Premier Mike Baird (4th right) during a church service for the Orlando shootings Source: AAP

Malcolm Turnbull and wife Lucy stood solemnly along with representatives from the LGBTI and Muslim communities, at a commemorative service for the 49 killed and more than 50 injured at a gay nightclub over the weekend.

The Wednesday night gathering also included Premier Mike Baird, NSW Governor David Hurley and the US Consul-General Hugo Llorens.
Anglican Archbishop Dr Glenn Davies, who officiated over the one-hour service, described the massacre as a "senseless" loss for the LGBTI community and for all humanity.
Members of the Muslim community sit together during a church service for the victims and injured from the Orlando nightclub shootings (AAP)
Members of the Muslim community sit together during a church service for the victims and injured from the Orlando nightclub shootings (AAP) Source: AAP
"It is a cause for outrage as well as grief," he said in an address during the service.

"Outrage that someone should have access to an assault rifle so as to inflict such damage.
"Outrage that anyone would target law-abiding members of the community, just because they identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex."
Dr Davies also apologised for any past violence or hatred inflicted by the religious and Anglican community on the LGBTI community.

Outside, Mr Turnbull praised the church for its gathering.

"It was a very loving service. It was responding to an act of unimaginable hate with solidarity and love," he told reporters.

Mr Baird said the service made a point of uniting different communities.

He also praised the Anglican archbishop for his approach to the LGBTI community.

"To stand there and invite them and to mourn with them, I think was very powerful," he said.

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Published 15 June 2016 8:42pm
Updated 16 June 2016 6:14am
Source: AAP


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