Hundreds attend Coventry vigil for Orlando victims

Socialist Party member Dan Crowter speaking at the vigil

Over 150 people attended a vigil in Coventry on Monday in solidarity with the victims of the horrific massacre in Orlando. At least 50 people died when a gunman opened fire in the Pulse nightclub, a local LGBT venue.

Vigils have been held across the UK and around the world, showing a united and defiant response to those who seek to spread hatred, fear and division. This mood was clearly present in Coventry, with defiant speeches urging us not to live in fear.

Coventry TUC President Jane Nellist spoke and expressed solidarity from the trade union movement in Coventry and pledged to fight to cut hate crime in our city.

Socialist Party member Dan Crowter spoke at the vigil and said “I don’t just want equality under the law, I want liberation.” The only way to achieve that liberation, and to defeat LGBTphobia, Islamophobia and oppression is to fight against the capitalist system that causes it.

Socialist Party members showing solidarity with Orlando and the LGBT+ community worldwide