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Sydney Harbour Bridge turns rainbow in tribute to Orlando victims

Australians hold candlelit vigils in solidarity.

Ariel Bogle

on June 13, 2016

Sydney Harbour Bridge turns rainbow in tribute to Orlando victims

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is illuminated with rainbow colors to remember victims of the Orlando night club massacre on June 13, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. Credit: Getty Images

In the wake of the deadly attack on a LGBTQ nightclub in Orlando on Sunday, Australian landmarks, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, were lit up with the colours of the rainbow Monday night.

In cities around Australia, candlelit vigils were held as Australians expressed their sadness and solidarity with the 49 people who were shot and killed by the gunman Omar Mateen. Mateen, who opened fire at the club in the early hours of Sunday morning, died at the scene.

In Melbourne, the National Galley of Victoria, the Town Hall and the Arts Centre spire were also covered with rainbow lights, as was Brisbane's Story Bridge.

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In a statement Monday, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the shooting was "an attack on the gay community and it is an attack on all of us." His words were not received warmly by some, with many in the LGBTQ community pointing out the failure of Turnbull's government to legalise marriage equality.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge lit up with rainbow colours. Credit: Getty Images

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People attend a candlelight vigil for the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre on June 13, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. Credit: Getty Images

A woman places a banner next to the candles during a candlelight vigil for the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre on June 13, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. Credit: Getty Images

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Sydney Town Hall is illuminated pink to remember victims of the Orlando night club massacre on June 13, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. Credit: Getty Images

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Australians gather to place candles and flags in Sydney on June 13, 2016. Credit: AFP/Getty Images

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Ariel Bogle

Ariel Bogle was an associate editor with Mashable in Australia covering technology. Previously, Ariel was associate editor at Future Tense in Washington DC, an editorial initiative between Slate and New America.