Senator Reverend Diaz Disappointed that Judge Wiggins’ Ruling Did Not Go Far Enough

November 30, 2011

For Immediate Release

New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) issued the following statement in response to State Supreme Court Judge Robert Wiggins’ ruling that the lawsuit initiated by New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedom challenging the state's same-sex marriage law can proceed:

“I am disappointed in Judge Wiggins’ decision because he did not go far enough. Judge Wiggins limited his decision to issues surrounding New York State’s open meetings law.

On June 24, 2011 when the vote was held, the Senate rules that permitted me to lay the bill aside and speak were violated. Whether or not anyone agreed with my position regarding gay marriage, I had the right to be heard on the Senate floor. My rights as a Member of the New York State Senate and as a representative of the people of my district were denied during the vote.

Not one of my Democratic colleagues stood up to protect my right to speak – not even my Leader Senator John Sampson. Thousands of people watched the process unfold online that night and bore witness to me being silenced. What a disgrace to our democratic process!

I commend Reverend Jason MacGuire for bringing this pro-family action before the courts, and I congratulate Liberty Counsel’s attorney Rena Lindevaldsen for once again defending traditional family values by representing New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedom.”