On June 14, the U.S. Embassy raised the LGBTI Pride flag to mark the anniversary of the legalization of same-sex marriage in all U.S. states, and at the same time honor the victims of the Orlando shooting. In his remarks, Public Affairs Officer Mark Pannell, mentioned that “the LGBTI people face discrimination, violence and even death, because of nothing more than who they are.”
Coming in the wake of the attack on a gay night club in Orlando, Florida, the event was solemn and reinforced the U.S. commitment to securing and defending LGBTI rights. The events in Orlando stood in contrast to recent progress on laws aimed at giving the LGBTI community equal rights, Mr. Pannell said that “there is still a lot of work to be done to eliminate intolerance in our society” and defend those who fight for equal rights and for safety. The LGBTI flag was raised to half-staff to honor the victims of the shooting. The following Saturday, U.S. Ambassador Robert Sherman, joined by a number of other Ambassadors participated in the Lisbon LGBTI Pride Parade to mark their support of LGBTI rights and to stand in solidarity with the victims of the Orlando attack.
Photo Gallery
- Other images of this event available here: http://ow.ly/IVxV301wjzT
