Marriage Equality Foe: I'm No Homophobe

Hours before the New York state senate may vote on a marriage equality bill, The New York Times profiles the bill's most intractable and enigmatic foe, state senator Ruben Diaz Sr. of the Bronx. The Pentecostal minister claims that he maintains warm relationships with gay family members and friends, but says that he cannot vote for their right to marry.

"Two of his brothers are gay, he murmurs, one of them recently deceased," reports The New York Times. "So is a granddaughter. There is an old friend who works for him in the Senate. And a former campaign aide."

"So how could I be a homophobe?" Diaz asks.

"In many ways, Mr. Diaz seems conflicted," reports The New York Times. "He relishes the role of the lonely dissident, sometimes practically taunting Democratic leaders to throw him out of the party. Still, the senator resents those who brand him a bigot for his views, and seems to plead for understanding."