State Sen. Rev Ruben Diaz expressed his opposition to same-sex marriage last week.
Here is the statement Diaz released last Thursday, which suggests he opposes Paterson's decision both personally and politically:
"As a New York State Senator representing the 32nd Senatorial District in
Bronx County, President of the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization and
Pastor of the Christian Community Neighborhood Church, I am very
disappointed with Governor Paterson’s decision to recognize same sex
marriages from other states.
"I believe that Governor Paterson has joined many judges from throughout the
nation that have taken the position to legislate against the will of the
people. New York State legislators have not approved homosexual marriages
and I believe that it will never happen as long as the Republican Party
controls the majority in the New York State Senate.
Furthermore, even if we Democrats get to the majority next year, I will not vote for it based on myreligion and beliefs."
Diaz expressed similar sentiments last year
ReplyDeletehttp://nymag.com/daily/intel/2007/06/gaymarriage_bill_passes_fails.html
How New York State NOT recognize a couple legally married in another state? I believe the "full faith and credit" clause of the Constitution requires it.
ReplyDeletehe will not vote based on "his religious beleifs"--is that not a direct contradiction between church and state? and as a pastor, why would he want any law that has to do with religion? That would give precident for the government to interfere with religious practices.
ReplyDeleteI agree. He should not be voting on "his religious beliefs." He should be representing his constituency and I, like many other Bronx residents, strongly support Governor Paterson's support of same sex marriage.
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