Sen Franken: How Many Tragedies Until Congress Finds Moral Conviction To Address Gun Violence?
1,111 views · Published 14 June 2016 · 12:05 · Indexed 23 September 2026
Channel: The Uptake by Bridgemakers · 2016 · News & Politics
In a speech delivered on the Senate floor today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) remembered the victims of the recent shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, and again pleaded with his colleagues in Congress to find the moral conviction to address gun violence. Sen. Franken also spoke about the need to bring full and equal rights to the LGBT community—a community that still faces rampant discrimination and whose members are still often the victims of violence “We can’t turn back time,” said Sen. Franken. “We can’t bring back the lives that we’ve lost. For God’s sake, what is it going to take? How many tragedies like this does this nation have to endure before we find the moral conviction to do something about gun violence? “Not everyone is welcomed by their family and their friends with acceptance and love,” continued Sen. Franken. “Even today, not everyone is able to walk down the street holding the hand of their loved one without fear. For those in search of solidarity and community, for those in search of safety, Pulse provided refuge. Regrettably, even today, that refuge is sorely needed. Despite long overdue victories, leaders in the LGBT movement have perceived an increase in violence directed against the community. LGBT Americans continue to face threats, intimidation, and violence—in the street, in the workplace, and at school. And by and large, they remain vulnerable to discrimination.”
