“I am outraged by the attack that took place on June 23rd at the Players Bar and Restaurant. A group of LGBT individuals were brutally attacked simply because of their perceived sexual orientation.

Hate crimes against New Yorkers, whether they be motived by sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, race or ethnicity are simply not acceptable and must end now. These vicious assaults are not reflective of the diversity that defines New York City. Our city prides itself on its inclusiveness, and hateful slurs and physical attacks against anyone, for any reason, go against the very fabric of what makes our City great.

I commend Chutney Pride and all the advocates involved for organizing a response to this crime, and I applaud the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force for its investigation into this crime.

We will not retreat in fear. Those who attack us may believe that they will succeed in driving our community back into the closet. What they don’t know is that they are only strengthening our resolve to demand full equality and security.”

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