STAMFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Federal and local leaders Saturday hosted a meeting with Connecticut’s Muslim and LGBT leaders on the shooting in Orlando. The meeting, held at First Congregational Church of Stamford, was open to the public.

Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Congressman Jim Himes and Stamford Mayor David Martin hosted the meeting. More than 100 people attended.

Senator Murphy, just days after the nearly 15-hour filibuster he spearheaded in Washington, spoke at the meeting about what needs to be done following Sunday’s massacre.

“We need to really raise our expectations of how we treat each other,” said Murphy. “This shouldn’t be about tolerance, just tolerating each other. This has to be about building communities of love.”

He and Senator Richard Blumenthal say the laws need to change too. They spoke about amendments they support that ban people on the terror watch list from buying guns and require universal background checks. They’ll be voted on this Monday.

“I decided to take a stand last week but everyone can take a stand in their own way,” said Murphy.

Murphy, Blumenthal, Himes and Martin also heard from community members. Phoenix Pritchard attended because he wants to encourage people to understand each other better.

“I’ve always struggled to have acceptance, not only with my family but in the world at large, and I want to have that for everyone,” he said.

That’s why the First Congregational Church of Stamford also hosted the meeting – to take a stand against violence, and to encourage people to come together.

“We are here as a church to create a different narrative – of unity and love,” said Rev. Todd Yonkman.

Senator Murphy says changing the gun laws is only part of the solution, and that we also have to continue to end bullying and discrimination altogether.