In the wake of last week’s shooting in Orlando that left 49 dead and another 53 injured in a gay nightclub, leaders from the LGBT and Muslim communities in Illinois called Monday for a joint commitment to civil rights.
Equality Illinois, Lambda Legal – Midwest Regional Office and the Council on American Islamic Relations-Chicago participated in the news conference on Monday.
“We have seen many leaders in politics and the media attempt to link the tragedy to the Muslim community,” said Brian Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois. “We call on all Americans to reject efforts to divide Americans and instead join us in support of the Muslim-American community.”