Multiple vigils held in honor of Orlando; speakers call for LGBT equality and gun control
By Kirsten Glavin
@kirstenglavin
PROVIDENCE, RI – More than 500 people gathered at the Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence Tuesday night, singing and praying for change.
"We cant stay in this moment, we can’t be fearful,” said Timothy Sylvia, Reverend of the Newman Congregational Church in East Providence. “We have to go on. There’s work that we can all be doing together.”
Speakers took the podium to spread messages of love and push for acceptance throughout the LGBT and Muslim communities. Both groups even supported each other.
"I just want to let all of my brothers and sisters in the LGBT community know, that we as the Muslim community are there for them any way shape or form,” said Eshun Mirza, a Muslim community activist.
Numerous speakers also called attention to gun violence. Governor Gina Raimondo emphasizing that gun laws in Rhode Island need to change.
"We shouldn’t have to wait for yet another mass shooting, another tragedy, to do common sense gun control,” the Governor told ABC6 News.
In New Bedford, Massachusetts there were many of the same themes. Speakers delivered inspirational messages of overcoming the tragedy. Mayor Jon Mitchell, among others, emphasized unity. The crowd was emotional at times, but strong.
"This has been tough, but I’m not letting this steal our joy. And this is my way of grieving,” Sue Durviage told ABC6. She explained that she and her wife married just two months ago.
