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Motive behind Orlando shooting can't be answered: US diplomat

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Press Trust of India New Delhi
In the backdrop of speculation over the motive behind the Orlando mass shooting, in which 49 people were killed by a gunman, US Deputy Chief of Mission Michael P Pelletier today said such questions "perhaps can never be answered".

"In terms of whatever the motivations were behind the attack in Orlando, it is really something that we don't have the real and final answer to yet. We will probably never have the real answer to it.

"What caused Omar to carry out such a tragic attack? Undoubtedly like most things in life, it is not going to be one simple answer," he said.
 

He was speaking at a panel discussion at the American Center here, organised as part of "Pride Month" celebrations, in support of equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) citizens.

The discussion also saw diplomats from eight countries - France, Germany, the USA, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Canada and the UK - calling for embracing diversity in the context of equal rights for the LGBTI community across the globe.

"I think what is more important is to take a lesson (from the Orlando attack) of embracing diversity, the lesson of respecting life, the lesson of respecting all of our colleagues and patriots," Pelletier said.

Seconding him, EU Delegation to India Counsellor, Thibault Devanlay said, "It is important for everyone to realise diversity and grow without discrimination."

On Section 377 of IPC that criminalises homosexuality and the landmark judgement by the Supreme Court, in which it granted legal recognition to transgenders as third category of gender and access to equal rights, Devanlay said he found the situation in the country very "contradictory."

"We see the transgender rights and we see section 377. These are two decisions which don't seem to be coherent and consistent. I am sure, sooner or later this difficulty and contradiction will get out," he said.

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First Published: Jun 17 2016 | 10:22 PM IST

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