In the wake of the deadliest mass shooting in our country’s history in Orlando this weekend, People For the American Way Foundation’s Young Elected Officials (YEO) Network released the following statement:

“Our hearts are extremely heavy today. Everyone in the YEO Network is thinking of the victims of this horrific attack, their friends and loved ones, and LGBTQ communities in Orlando and across the state and country.

“We also know that out of this heartbreak must come real change. It is not inevitable that weapons of war, like the assault-style rifles used in Orlando, San Bernardino, Aurora, and Newtown, are within easy reach. We can no longer allow pro-gun extremists to set our political agenda; we have to stand up for common-sense gun violence prevention measures. As the president noted on Sunday, to ‘actively do nothing’ in response to this horrific violence is a choice. But it’s not a choice we are willing to make.

“As elected leaders, it is our responsibility to do all we can to serve, represent, and keep safe members of our communities. The fact that this attack was targeted specifically at LGBTQ people is a sobering reminder of the moral imperative to stand up against bigotry in all of its forms. We stand against the hate that divides us, whether its target is the LGBTQ community, the Muslim faith, Black lives, or women’s agency. Today we redouble our resolve to fight for a country where – whether in a bar or at a church or in a workplace – no one has to fear for their life or their safety.”

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