Hillary Clinton makes surprise appearance at New York Pride to march in solidarity with Orlando
Hillary Clinton made an unannounced appearance at New York Pride over the weekend – marching in solidarity with the victims of the Orlando massacre.
The annual parade took place in New York on Saturday, with a bigger-than-usual turnout as revellers lined the streets of Manhattan. Many of the banners and floats included tributes to the victims of the Orlando Pulse mass shooting.
An increased NYPD police presence was felt as the parade kicked off in the wake of the attack which left 49 dead and injured 53.
Presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton made a surprise appearance at the event.
The former Secretary of State, who is also a former Senator for New York, attracted cheers as she marched alongside LGBT activists.
She joined New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York state Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Reverend Al Sharpton for the event, with a moment of silence held for victims of Orlando.
Happy #NYCPride! pic.twitter.com/ZV75RMBiM2
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 26, 2016
Elsewhere, in a statement to PinkNews she marked the one-year anniversary of equal marriage on Sunday.
Mrs Clinton said: “One year ago today, we celebrated a watershed moment for equality in America.
“Thanks to the bravery of LGBT Americans like Jim Obergefell and Edie Windsor, and the determination and tireless organising of the LGBT community and their allies, marriage equality became the law of the land in all 50 states.
“Over the last year, more barriers to equality have fallen – including, finally, the last state law banning same-sex couples from adopting.
“Just this month, President Obama designated Stonewall as the first national monument commemorating LGBT history in America.
“We’ve also seen how much work is still unfinished. The attack in Orlando broke our hearts, and reminded us that LGBT people – particularly people of color – are still targets for harassment and violence.
“Discriminatory laws in states like North Carolina highlight the need for full federal equality under the law for LGBT Americans. And Donald Trump’s pledge to consider appointing Supreme Court justices who would overturn marriage equality underscores the fact that so much of the progress we’ve made is at stake in November.
“But even when the road ahead seems daunting, never forget: on this day in history, love triumphed in the highest court in the land.
“Today, our march toward a more perfect union continues – toward equality, dignity, and justice for all.”
