The Man Behind Hiram Monserrate's Anti-Gay Campaign

Village Voice writer Steven Thrasher has interviewed Rev. Ricardo Reyes, former NY Sen. Hiram Monserrate's "spiritual advisor." Reyes is the man presumably behind Monserrate's new tactic of making his return to the Senate a defacto marriage equality referendum. The interview takes an interesting turn when Reyes pulls in Jorge, a supposedly gay employee to speak. It turns out, people become gay in order to make money.

JORGE: When a person is gay, the only way he can be changed is through Jesus. Because, the people who are gay, are not happy. It is an instrument for them to gain money.

To gain money?

REYES: Yes. Because, when you have a partner, or relationship, everything is for one objective. They live a life that is a lie, but when they are alone, they are truly not happy.

But do you think you can be gay, and Christian -- and happy? And still be gay?

JORGE: I am either a homosexual, or a Christian.

Which are you?

JORGE: I am Christian. I love Jesus, because Jesus changed my life.

And you're no longer gay?

JORGE: No more.

REYES: I work plenty with a lot of gays like that. When they discover they don't have to keep being gay, they choose life, and they're happy. They have Christ's life.

Read the entire interview, it's kind of priceless.