Philadelphia LGBTQ Community Reacts To Trump's Comments During RNC

CENTER CITY (WTXF) - "Only weeks ago in Orlando Florida 49 wonderful Americans were savagely murdered by an Islamic terrorist. This time the terrorist targeted LGBTQ community. No good and we're going to stop it," said Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

He used part of his acceptance speech last night during the RNC to speak directly to the LGBTQ community but how well was it received?

"He's given right-leaning LGBT people something to put their fingers on and imagine that he's going to support them. He's not," said Edward Thorpe.

"I think it was a step in the right direction. I'm not sure how heartfelt it was," said Patrick Mullen.

Some like Patrick Mullen noticed that Trump's promise to protect the LGBTQ community from "violence and oppression" didn't include what's happening here in the United States.

"He didn't speak about domestic protection. He spoke about a lot of international stuff and terrorism," said Mullen.

Malcolm Lazin is the Executive Director of Equality Forum here in Philadelphia.

"I was pleased that at least he addressed LGBT which in terms of the Republican National Convention is a first," said Lazin. But he says the content of what Trump said was disappointing.

"We're going to protect you against terrorists, ok, that's fear. That's not embracing equality," said Lazin who also says he's skeptical of Trump's message Thursday night because Equality Forum sent him a letter three months ago asking his stance on the Equality Act.
He says they haven't gotten a response.

"Many of our states don't have hate crime protection for gays and lesbians. We're the only minority group that's not protected. So there was an opportunity for him to say I will use my office in terms of ensuring that all the states include hate crimes protection," said Lazin.