Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for solidarity with the LGBT community ahead of Jerusalem’s annual gay pride parade. Netanyahu spoke about how the LGBT community is treated throughout the Middle East.
"For too long the LGBT community has faced violence and intimidation," Netanyahu said. "We’ve all seen the horrific pictures of ISIS throwing gays off rooftops and the Iranian regime hangs them from cranes in public squares. This is nothing short of insanity. Surrounding us are regimes that literally murder you for being gay."
Netanyahu mentioned the terror attack on Orlando’s Pulse nightclub, where members of the LGBT community were gunned down by Omar Mateen, who, Netanyahu said, had a radical ideology. He added that loving someone should never cause someone to live in fear or terror. Netanyahu expressed solidarity with the LGBT community in another video immediately following the Orlando attack.
"My unwavering belief is that all people are created equal. This principle of equality is why 16-year-old Shira Banki marched in the parade last year and that is why thousands of you are marching today."
Banki was one of the victims stabbed in Jerusalem’s 2015 gay pride parade by an ultra-Orthodox man who was described as filled with hate.
In Netanyahu’s message, he vowed that in Israeli society there will always be a fight against hatred.
Netanyahu acknowledged that society might not be fully ready to accept the gay community but vowed that he would continue to foster respect for all Israeli citizens with no exception.
"Whether you are marching today or not I am asking you to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the LGBT community. We will not let hate drown out acceptance, dignity, respect, acceptance. These are the values that will triumph," Netanyahu said.