Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz to Senator Tom Duane: Release the Names or Shut Up

New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) has the following response to public statements made by Senator Tom Duane regarding the Senate’s homosexual marriage vote count:

“If Senator Tom Duane has the necessary Senate votes to pass the homosexual marriage bill in New York State, then he should release the names of those Senators who are supporting the bill.  If not, he should shut up.  If any member of the State Senate is so ashamed to have their names released or to release their own names for this or for any pending legislation, then they clearly feel ashamed of their position.

If any Senators are unwilling to release their names prior to voting for the homosexual marriage bill, they are sending a clear message to the gay community and to the whole State of New York that these Senators are unwilling to let the public know and that they are ashamed to be publicly associated with the gay community.

Any Senator who commits himself or herself to something, should be man or woman enough to take a stand and stand by his or her convictions.  If they give their word to support  something that they are ashamed of, then that is a hypocrisy, and could be interpreted as not wanting to be associated with the matter. 

It is a disgrace that Senator Duane is playing this mind game with his colleagues and  with the public.  If Senator Duane has the votes, he should release the names.  If not, then he should be ashamed of himself.  ”

For further information, please contact Senator Diaz at 518/455-2511