Remarks the Republican lieutenant governor of Utah made at a vigil for the victims of the Orlando shooting are going viral.
Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer J. Cox said the deadliest mass shooting in American history inspired him to apologize to the LGBT community.
“I begin with an admission and an apology,” he said last week in Salt Lake City.
“I grew up in a small town and went to a small rural high school,” Cox said. "There were some kids in my class that were different. Sometimes I wasn’t kind to them.
“I didn’t know it at the time, but I know that they were gay. I will forever regret not treating them with the kindness, dignity and respect — the love — that they deserved. For that, I sincerely and humbly apologize.”
Cox’s apology occurred during a candlelight vigil to remember the victims of the tragedy in Orlando. Forty-nine people were killed and 53 others were injured when a gunman opened fire inside Pulse, a gay nightclub there.
Cox said the LGBT community’s inclusiveness had shown him the error of his ways.
“Over the intervening years, my heart has changed,” he said. "It has changed because of you. It has changed because I have gotten to know many of you.
“You have been patient with me,” Cox added. "You helped me learn the right letters of the alphabet in the right order even though you kept adding new ones.
“You have treated me with the kindness, dignity and respect — the love — that I very often did not deserve. And it has made me love you.”
Cox added the LGBT community could lead America by example by displaying bravery.
“Now, you know a little something about hate,” he said. “And you know a little something about persecution. But you also know a little something about loving, blessing and doing good.
“What our country needs more than ever is less politics and more kindness. If nothing else, as we can see here tonight, this tragedy has the potential to bring us closer than ever before."
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