LGBT communities from all across the state gathered on Sunday, hours after a gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub in Orlando. Dozens of vigils were held, including at the state’s capital, where Texans paused for a moment of silence in honor of the 50 lives lost in Florida.
“This is an especially heart-breaking day for our friends, our fellow Americans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender,” President Obama said addressing the nation on Sunday afternoon. “This was an act of terror and an act of hate.”
The state of Texas was one of the first states to reach out and respond Sunday morning, offering its help and resources, and quickly state lawmakers from both parties took to social media to show their support.
Governor Greg Abbott posted the message, “Texas stands united with Florida” on Twitter, accompanied by a picture of the Florida flag hung at the Governor’s mansion.
State Senator Kirk Watson (D-Austin) and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) also offered their sympathy and prayers. Cruz also released a statement that said, “It is a time for action.”
“The immediate response is that we will grieve and mourn those who lost their lives,” Chuck Smith, CEO of Equality Texas said. “But this most definitely has to result in change.”
Smith said the “action” Cruz referred to is simple. Smith said lawmakers need to start by creating a safe environment for the LGBT community in Texas, one that he said some Republican leaders have made hostile.
“Sadly we live in a state where we have elected officials like our Lt. Governor Dan Patrick,” Smith said, “who on a regular basis say things and are saying things that are already putting LGBT people in danger of physical harm.”
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick was criticized for posting a Bible verse on Sunday morning, reading “a man reaps what he sows”. His office released a statement after removing the tweet, saying the post was scheduled and had nothing to do with the Orlando shooting, but Smith says he doesn’t buy it.
“I have doubts as to whether or not he is telling the truth,” Smith said.
Smith said lawmakers need to work together to prevent another tragedy from occurring closer to home.
“Even within our state, the level of discourse is inappropriate and is such that it is creating a climate of hate and hostility that can result in violence and we need to work to prevent that,” Smith said.
Governor Abbott ordered flags across the state to fly at half-staff in remembrance of the victims of the shooting. The flag above the state capitol was lowered on Sunday.
