Statement From NYS Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz

To clear the air and avoid any misunderstandings, there is a commitment – a handshake commitment - between Senator-elect Espada, Senator Kruger, Senator-elect Monserrate, and myself that we will not do anything until we meet Tuesday, November 11, 2008, and that any decision will be made public by the four of us after said meeting.

If Senator-elect Hiram Monserrate has made a decision in Puerto Rico to endorse Senator Malcolm Smith, that is his decision. I have not made a decision yet and hope the others have not either. I have not committed myself to anybody, and my position as an ordained minister and a pastor will not allow me to support any would be leader that will bring gay marriage to the Senate floor.

This is nothing new. Mr. Smith and all my colleagues have known my position for more than a year. That does not make me a Republican. Where is it written that in order to be a Democrat you have to support gay marriage? And where is it written that if you do not support gay marriage you are not a good Democrat? I have always been a Democrat. I remain a Democrat, and I will continue to be a Democrat. A Democrat who rejects gay marriage and abortion based upon my beliefs.