Bronx Borough President & Son Of NY Sen. Ruben Diaz Endorses Marriage

"After considerable deliberation and introspection, I support marriage equality. My decision, which comes after years of thought and reflection on the issue, is informed by the experiences I have had with close friends, family and loved ones. For example, my chief-of-staff, Paul Del Duca, has for decades worked to help the people of this City. He has helped people find housing and jobs, he has dedicated his professional life to assisting those in need. Why, then, should he and his partner Damion—whose wedding I stood witness to—be denied the same rights of any other loving and committed couple? Moreover, why should my niece, Erica Diaz, be denied the ability to get married when her time comes?" - Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., writing on his official website. (Tipped by JMG reader David)

VERY RELATED: Diaz is the son of New York Senator "Reverend" Ruben Diaz, the only Democrat to vote against marriage equality in his chamber and the buffoon clown accomplice of NOM.  The elder Diaz has led two large anti-gay hate marches through the streets of New York City, the most recent of which literally ended on the steps of the Bronx Borough Hall, the location of his son's office. Erica Diaz, mentioned above, is the granddaughter of the elder Diaz.

El Diario Endorses Charlie Ramos

Amazing news: New York's largest Spanish-language newspaper has endorsed Charlie Ramos in his bid to unseat vile homophobe Sen. Ruben Diaz. From El Diario:

While the incumbent Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. has received attention for opposing marriage equality legislation, Ramos says that his votes against community interests and silence on notorious landlords are among the other issues that compelled him to run. Diaz’s narrow mindedness and grandstanding are inadequate for a district that deserves much more. The solid, consistent work of activists like Ramos would build up ample leaders and organizers poised to move a community forward. Vote for Ramos on September 14th.

Contribute to Charlie Ramos here.

It Looks Like Marriage WILL Come To A Vote In NY Senate Tonight

Well, shut my mouth. If Sen. Ruben Diaz has fled to his Albany office to pray against the gays, THAT is surely the strongest sign that the marriage vote will rilly, rilly happen tonight.

Here's the strongest sign yet that the gay marriage bill will indeed come to the Senate floor for a vote before the day is over: Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr., the measure's most outspoken opponent, has retired to his Albany office to pray.

"I don't know why it has to be done in special session. I don't know why it has to be today. Is it going to be done? I believe so," Diaz Sr. told me rather glumly during a brief telephone interview just now. "Of course I'm going to vote 'no' - that's my position...I will hold all my comments for the floor if the issue comes to the floor. You will hear me say everything I have to say about it. I have a strong feeling that it is (coming to the floor). I’m in my office. I'm calling around. I'm praying." "...I don’t know anything anymore," Diaz Sr. added. "I don’t know what’s going on anymore. People give you word and then they go back on their word. There is no gentleman’s agreement anymore. Me, I give you my word and I don’t go back on it. Not anymore."

Assemblyman Danny O'Donnell, who is carrying the marriage bill in the lower house, told Jimmy Vielkind this afternoon that the Assembly plans to re-pass the measure

Whether we have the votes to actually pass same-sex marriage remains highly debatable, despite assurances from openly gay pols like Sen. Tom Duane and NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn. Nevertheless, I'll order in some dinner and get a live stream/live blog going of the Senate proceedings.

NY Gov. Paterson To Ask State Senate To Vote On Marriage Next Week

According to his aides, New York Gov. David Paterson plans to ask state Senators to finally vote on same-sex marriage during a special session he's called for next week. Democrats continue to hold a slim 32-30 majority in the Senate after Sen. Hiram Monserrate (D) somehow evaded a felony conviction last week for slashing his girlfriend in the face, which would have resulted in his automatic removal.

Monserrate may yet face expulsion over the incident; a bipartisan panel has been formed to determine what discipline he will receive, if any. He has supported same-sex marriage in the past, but was one of the three Democrats who briefly defected to the Republican side of the aisle in June in a power struggle for control of the Senate.

Even with a slight Democratic majority, getting the necessary votes to approve same-sex marriage is highly doubtful, thanks in large part to the work of Democratic anti-gay evangelist Sen. Ruben Diaz. However openly gay Sen. Thomas Duane has frequently stated that he thinks a few Republicans would vote our way, so hope, however slight, persists. My complete file on this Clown Car called the New York Senate is here.

Ruben Diaz Jr. On His Father

Andres Duque at Blabbeando has translated an interview with Ruben Diaz, Jr., the Bronx president and son of New York Homophobe #1, state Sen. Ruben Diaz, the man credited with putting a stop to marriage equality. Junior says he loves his father, but believes in the separation of church and state. Diaz Sr.: "I am the church AND the state. I cannot separate me from myself."