Tribute in the Federal Parliament to the victims of blind terrorism in Orlando, Magnanville and Istanbul

Honourable President of the Chamber,

Colleagues,

Once again, so many lives have been devastated by blind terrorism in Orlando, Magnanville and Istanbul.

We, too, have lost 32 people to terrorism.
We thus feel, more than ever, for the victims.

Our commitment remains solid.
We must, and we will, resolutely fight these kinds of crimes.

We are struck by harsh and barbaric terror.
But we shall not give in to fear and hatred. 

We were dismayed to hear that 49 people were gunned down in Orlando on Sunday.  

A fanatic murderer cold-bloodedly slaughtered young people.
Mainly young people, who were having fun at a night club.

And who were killed because of their zest for life.

Again, like in Paris, it was an assault on our way of relaxing. 

However, it is no coincidence that the attack took place in a night club attended mainly by LGBT people. 

Fanatics inspired by the IS' misguided ideology have targeted LGBT people.

We defend tolerance and respect for all, independently of one's sexual orientation.
Everyone is free to love whom he or she wants to.
Love is Love.

Colleagues,

Human life is precious to us.

After the terrifying attacks in Paris, terrorism has, once again, struck our French neighbours.  

The attacks against Charlie Hebdo and Hyper Cacher were intended as an act of aggression against our freedom of expression and, in particular, against the Jewish community.

The terrorists also target the men and women who ensure our safety on a daily basis.

A couple, who had been working for the police force, was murdered in a cowardly manner and leaves a 3-year-old child orphaned. Murdered because they had been working for the police. 

I would like to express our gratitude and unfailing support to all those who are mobilised for our security in France, in Belgium, and in all democratic states.

To guarantee security. To foster harmony, respect and tolerance. It's our duty.

Our thoughts are with all the relatives and friends of the victims.
Naturally we are also thinking of all the people who have survived these traumatic attacks. Henceforth, they will have to live with this burden.

In the name of the Belgian government and of the Belgian population, I have expressed our loyal friendship and our most sincere condolences to the President of the United States Barack Obama and to the French President François Hollande.

We shall relentlessly fight fanaticism and those who sow death. 

And we shall continue to hold high the banner of universal values.