Senator Diaz's Statement on May 15th Rally to Protect Marriage

May 2, 2011

For Immediate Release

Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz’s May 15^th Rally to Protect Marriage

New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) released the following statement about his May 15^th Bronx Rally to protect New York State’s traditional marriage laws:

“It’s wonderful to know that thousands of New Yorkers plan to attend the May 15^th Rally in The Bronx to oppose legislation to redefine marriage in New York State.

Everyone should realize that we’re not hiring Ricky Martin, Elton John or Rosie Perez to attract people to our event. There won’t be any paid superstars or celebrities to draw crowds. Whoever joins us will do so because they support traditional marriage.

It’s important to know that whoever comes to this rally will be there because they support the growing movement in New York to protect marriage and to oppose proposals to redefine the definition of marriage to include homosexual marriage.

I’d also like to clarify some loathsome accusations about our May 15^th Rally coinciding with the New York AIDS Walk. Our Rally for Traditional Marriage will include thousands of New Yorkers who support AIDS programs and AIDS victims.  No one has the right to accuse people who attend our rally of opposing AIDS victims or programs that help AIDS victims and their families.

It is also essential to correct disgraceful lies that are being made about me and my ongoing support for AIDS programs. Each year that I have served as New York State Senator, I have allocated $100,000 from my member item funds to Bronx AIDS services in the South Bronx.  I will continue to support the war against AIDS, and I will vote to increase funds against AIDS.

As the President of the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization, my fellow ministers and I have been and will remain committed to caring for AIDS victims and for their families.  Any statements to the contrary are lies.

Also, I will continue to encourage people to participate in the March Against AIDS.  AIDS is a terrible plague and those who commit themselves to join the war against AIDS are certainly part of this noble cause. However, it has to be made clear that everyone who participates in the March Against AIDS is not necessarily in support of gay marriage. There is a huge difference between the March Against AIDS and our Rally. One has nothing to do with the other.”

For further information please contact Senator Reverend Diaz at (718) 496-4793.