Don Atchison is one of many political leaders expressing condolences in the wake of the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., this past weekend but has since faced criticism for the statement. The statement from the City of Saskatoon mayor’s office was amended Monday.
In the original statement released Monday at 12:19 p.m. CT, the mayor is quoted as using “lifestyle choices:”
“Everyone should be safe in our communities regardless of their lifestyle choices, religion or ethnicity.”
READ MORE: ‘Disgust, shock and fear’ felt in Saskatoon after Orlando nightclub shooting
A corrected statement released at 4:37 p.m. removed the term “lifestyle choices” and uses “LGBTQ2 community” instead:
“Members of the LGBTQ2 community, those with different religious beliefs, or ethnicity should be safe in our communities.”
The mayor’s chief communications officer, Richard Brown, said the first news release contained a quote which he wrote and the mayor did not have the opportunity to see it before it was sent to media.
Brown said he chose his words poorly and for that he takes full responsibility and apologizes.
Sherri Clark contributed to this story
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