City unites for one minute silence

Leeds City Council will observe a one minute silence in respect of the victims of the attack in Orlando, and in support of the LGB&T* community in Leeds. The silence will occur at 12 noon on Tuesday 14 June 2016.

Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Gerry Harper said:

"The people of Leeds are invited to join the council and many others as we pay our respects on Tuesday. Leeds has a strong LBG&T* community and we will share their mourning as we remember those who perished in Orlando, those who were hurt and their loved ones."

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council said:

"We will hold a ceremony at Victoria Gardens on Tuesday to allow people to express their sorrow for those affected and to display solidarity with the LGB&T* community in the city and across the world.

"We are working with others to make sure appropriate support is available to those who may need it and make clear our commitment to support all the diverse communities in Leeds."

Leeds City Council chief executive, Tom Riordan added:

"What we have seen in Orlando, with so many lives lost and people injured is a profound tragedy. It is right, therefore, that as a council and as a city we pay our respects and show our unity across communities. Council staff and other partners in Leeds are invited to join us in observing the one minute silence."

Councillor Judith Blake and chief executive Tom Riordan will join the Lord Mayor, along with council staff and others who wish to attend on Victoria Gardens at 12 noon on Tuesday to pay respects.

There will also be a minutes silence and candle lit vigil held across Lower Briggate at 11pm Monday 13 June organised by GayLeeds where Cllr James Lewis will make a short speech.

Notes:

The American and Rainbow flags with fly at half-mast on civic hall during the events.

More information on Leeds City Council’s LGB&T* hub can be found here

http://www.leeds.gov.uk/council/Pages/Equality-Assembly.aspx

or on twitter https://twitter.com/leedscc_lgbt

For media enquiries please contact:

Dave Glanville, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 22 43298

Email: david.glanville@leeds.gov.uk

ENDS