Not everyone is pleased with New York Gov. David Paterson's decision to re-introduce marriage equality legislation. State Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. —the arch-conservative anti-gay Pentecostal minister from the South Bronx who once claimed the Gay Games would lead to "an increase in AIDS and more homosexuality in young people"— is predictably outraged.
Diaz Sr. demands an "emergency summit" of the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization to respond to Paterson. The meeting is this afternoon and Elizabeth Benjamin in the Daily News writes:
In a brief telephone interview, Diaz Sr., a Pentecostal minister who has long been vocal in his opposition to gay marriage, questioned Paterson's timing and called it 'ridiculous,' particularly given the fact that this is the week Archbishop Timothy Dolan is being installed in his new job. 'I think this is the wrong time to do it,' Diaz Sr. said. '(Paterson) is doing this as a welcoming ceremony for the new Catholic? It's ridiculous.'
In the press release announcing [todays] meeting at the Christian Community Neighborhood Church, the Bronx Democrat went even further, calling the governor's move "disrespectful, and adding: 'If I were Governor Paterson, I would abstain from going to St. Patrick’s Cathedral for the welcoming ceremony and to celebrate Mass.' "
Paterson did attend yesterday's installation of the archbishop. The two spoke briefly and we're guessing they did did not discuss the hot-button issue.
Diaz Sr. is one of the so-called "Gang Of Three" in the state Senate that threatened to bolt from the Democrats slim majority unless the gay marriage vote was postponed. Openly gay Sen. Thomas Duane tells the Daily News some Democrats and Republicans are considering switching their votes and believes "we can win this year."
The Pentecostal minister and Bronx legislator has a colorful history fighting anti-gay causes. Diaz Sr. sued to stop the expansion of the Harvey Milk School, which provides a safe space for persecuted LGBT teens. Ruben Diaz Sr: A shining example of why church and state should not mix.
Diaz Sr: Timing on Gay Marriage Bill 'Ridiculous' [NYDN]
Finally Courage Emerges in Albany [NYDN]
OK. Everyone who reads this blog and feels as I do that Sen. Diaz' rabid homophobia has gone way too far, please call his office at (718) 991-3161 and let him know we're here, we VOTE, and we are not going away.
I am still amazed that such bigotry can be flagrantly displayed by a public official. Sen. Diaz seems unconcerned that he might ever have to pay the consequences for his words and actions. Call him up, do it by the thousands, and let him and the people of New York City and State know that there is no place for his hate in American political life.
Posted by: Nathan James | 16 April 2009 at 14:05
Why should the Dems be held hostage by some bigots within their midst, like Mr Diaz. Is he a minister first, or an Assemblyman? He can’t seem to decide. He is a full-time bigot, and should be called out for it.
Why do the Dems even have this problem? The GOP has succeeded because the party line is quite clear–and people choose to censor their own views instead of demanding change in the party. (This includes Dick Cheney.) That takes discipline, which Dems DO NOT have, which leaves Dems also open to being “nicer” to gays only by default.
Posted by: G. | 16 April 2009 at 23:42
G. asked: "Why do the Dems even have this problem?"
Because most of them don't really hold any values? If you really hold a value, don't you fight for it?
Posted by: Jim | 17 April 2009 at 00:09
The argument against same-sex marriage is based on the word of a particular god that much of the country, state, world does not believe to be true. This is a religious argument and has no place in state decisions. The state needs to decide on a matter of civil rights. The argument for legal civil unions only makes that distinction more clear. If the rights are truly equal, they would have the same name.
Posted by: Alfonse | 17 April 2009 at 00:25
Someone needs to tell Sr. Diaz to STFU!
Posted by: Mad Professah | 17 April 2009 at 00:36
Diaz is a tool.
It is thown in our face about government should not be involved in religion, so shall it be that religion should not be involved in government. I am a human first and the religion I chose to follow second. My human rights are not dictated by any religion.
Posted by: BGC | 17 April 2009 at 01:16