CST stands in solidarity with victims of Orlando terror attack

CST wishes to express solidarity with those attacked by Omar Mateen at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando this weekend. The siege was the deadliest homophobic attack in the United States. At time of writing, 49 people have been confirmed dead following the mass shooting and three-hour siege.

The Jewish community unfortunately knows all too well how an incident of targeted terror aimed at a minority group can spread fear within a community. CST utterly condemns this attack and wishes to express sympathy to the families and friends of those murdered. Following the attack, CST offered support to partners Galop, Britain’s LGBT anti-violence and abuse charity. Galop Chief Executive, Nik Noone, responded to the attack:

“It is now seventeen years since the extremist David Copeland set off nail bombs, motivated by his hatred of LGBT people, Muslims, Jews and BME people. As we did then, we will work together across communities to end hatred. This is a crime about hatred of LGBT people, and must not be coopted for hatred against Islam. We are very proud to lead the Community Alliance to Combat Hate, a partnership of leading anti-hate crime organisations across all types of prejudice and have been heartened by the messages of support from its members. Tonight we will stand united with our community and our allies, against hatred and violence.”

CST’s Dave Rich, Deputy Director of Communications said in a joint statement with Galop and Tell Mama’s Fiyaz Mughal OBE:

“We utterly condemn this appalling attack and our thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and their families. This is a time for all communities to stand together in solidarity. We at CST will continue to work with LGBT and other communities to defend our shared values against those who try to undermine our diverse and tolerant societies.”