Sen. Ruben Diaz vs. church/state separation, representative government

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07/19/2011

by Jeremy Hooper

And now here's NY Sen. Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) speaking in favor of this weekend's National Organization 6A00D8341C503453Ef01538Eaa983E970B-1 For Marriage picket:

"In a city where teachers and public employees are being laid off, and fire houses are being closed for lack of funds, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has decided to spend city funds to have government offices open on a Sunday to perform same-sex weddings.

Having had this bad law passed, we should not retreat in fear the way the Apostles did in the days after the crucifixion and before the resurrected Christ came to reveal himself. Instead, we need to maintain the same drive that the Apostles had after the resurrected Lord filled them with the Spirit.

We have initiated a campaign requesting a referendum so that the 20 million citizens of New York State can vote on and decide whether or not they want same-sex marriage in New York or not.

Let the people vote!"
Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz: Let the People Vote! [Ruben Diaz]

a) Marriages will be a financial boon.

b) This good and fairly passed law is for civil marriage, not the ancillary (even if oft-utilized) religious ceremonial component.

c) NY doesn't have an initiative or referendum process -- so the choice is either a non-binding advisory referendum (talk about wasting time) or completely overhauling the way New Yorkers do business. A pretty big request, especially since the group most forcefully pushing it is based in D.C. (by way of NJ), not NY.

d) "The people" includes LGBT people. And we did vote. If anyone should understand that (and help others understand) its an elected state senator.

But please, by all means -- picket people's weddings. We are ready and eager to film it all: Pictures worth a thousand of our own theoretical counter protests.