DeSantis orders flags at half mast to honor Pulse nightclub victims

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ordered flags on local and state buildings to be flown at half-mast in remembrance of the sixth anniversary of the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando.

“Six years ago, on June 12, 2016, a gunman claiming allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant committed a horrific act of terrorism against the LGBTQ and Hispanic communities at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando,” DeSantis wrote. . “At the time, it was the deadliest mass shooting in US history.

“As a mark of respect for the victims, their families, and the many affected by this tragedy, I have signed the attached proclamation directing that the flags of the United States and the State of Florida be flown at half-mast in all local and state buildings, facilities and grounds throughout the State of Florida,” he said.

The shooting left 49 dead and 53 injured. The Republican governor named June 12 “Pulse Remembrance Day” last year.

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DeSantis has faced heavy criticism from the LGBTQ community for his support for legislation that critics have called the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

The Parental Rights in Education Act prohibits classroom discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity for students in grades three and below and allows parents to sue school districts over the issue.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference held at the Cox Science Center &; Aquarium on June 8, 2022 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
((Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images))

In response to the legislation, Disney suspended the company’s political contributions in Florida and, in turn, DeSantis led the state legislature to dissolve Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District which allowed the park to theme of governing itself.

Johanna Parker of Orlando leaves a bouquet of fresh flowers at the Pulse Nightclub Memorial on June 12, 2021 in Orlando, Florida.
((Photo by George Wilson Foto 2021/DeFodi images via Getty Images))

The Orlando Sun Sentinel reported that DeSantis signed a bill last year banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s and women’s sports and tried to prevent Medicaid coverage for hormone therapy and blood-blocking drugs. puberty.

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Brandon Wolf, a Pulse survivor with Equality Florida, a statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, recently ripped DeSantis in an op-ed, saying the governor “has declared war on the LGBTQ community of Florida”.