Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, then Prime Minister And because they are us, we, as a nation, mourn them. Those loved ones were brothers, daughters, fathers, and children. It was the day that the simple act of prayer, of practising their Muslim faith and religion, led to the loss of their loved ones' lives. But for the families, it was more than that. That quiet Friday afternoon has become our darkest of days. Instead of Question Time and debates on legislation, Members made speeches and offered their condolences to those affected by the Christchurch attacks, before adjourning early. This was followed by the parliamentary prayer in te reo Māori by then Assistant Speaker Adrian Rurawhe, and in English by then Deputy Speaker Hon Anne Tolley.Īs a mark of respect, the normal business during that sitting week was changed. The March 19 session was instead opened with a prayer in Arabic from Imam Nizam ul haq Thanvi, translated into English by Tahir Nawaz. Sittings of the House normally begin with the parliamentary prayer. Usually, non-members are not allowed to walk on the floor of the debating chamber when Parliament is in session. When Parliament sat for the first time following the attacks, on March 19, then Speaker Trevor Mallard led a procession of leaders from different faiths into the House. Another 50 people were injured, with one person dying of their injuries seven weeks later. On March 15, 2019, 50 people were killed after a gunman opened fire at two Christchurch mosques. The Speaker led a procession of leaders from different faiths into the House for its first sitting after the March 15 attacks.
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