Audrey Hale Manifesto Release Raises Major Concerns From LGBTQ+ Groups
told Fox News Digital in a Monday statement.But groups advocating for LGBTQ+ rights disagree."It should not be published," Jordan Budd, the executive director of Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE), told Newsweek. "The focus should be on how this was able to happen in the first place.
There should not be such easy access to deadly weaponry."Charles Moran, the national president of Log Cabin Republicans, a GOP organization that advocates for equal rights for LGBTQ+ Americans, also told Newsweek that there are "serious consequences" for the public release of the manifesto."While it would certainly give insight into the motivations of this deeply troubled individual that could help shed light into root causes, we know from tragedies like this that additional glorification of the shooter could inspire others to take similar violent acts for attention," Moran said.Laura McGinnis, a spokesperson for PFLAG, agreed, telling Newsweek that publication of these documents could increase the risk of contagion.
She said that while the manifesto could help law enforcement and policymakers identify potential warning signs to prevent future tragedies, ultimately, "the contents don't change the outcome of the tragedy.""Regardless of the shooter's intentions, the real issue here is the ease of access to deadly weapons in Tennessee and elsewhere," Budd said, adding, "All children, no matter who their parents are or how they identify, should feel safe and supported at school.
