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Marriage Equality

Son of Antigay N.Y. Legislator Endorses Marriage Equality

Son of Antigay N.Y. Legislator Endorses Marriage Equality

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Ruben Diaz Jr., a public official himself as Bronx borough president in New York City, takes a stance opposite that of his father, a state senator.

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The son and namesake of antigay New York State senator Ruben Diaz Sr. today took a public position opposite that of his father -- in support of marriage equality.

Bronx borough president Ruben Diaz Jr. announced his support in a statement on his website. He arrived at the stance "after considerable deliberation and introspection," going on to say, "My decision, which comes after years of thought and reflection on the issue, is informed by the experiences I have had with close friends, family and loved ones."

The LGBT people in his life include Paul Del Duca, his chief of staff, and Erica Diaz, his niece. He noted that he attended why Del Duca's wedding to his partner, Damion, and asked why they should "be denied the same rights of any other loving and committed couple." He added, "Moreover, why should my niece, Erica Diaz, be denied the ability to get married when her time comes?"

The New York State legislature passed a marriage equality bill in 2011, and since then there have been none of negative consequences that opponents of the legislation had predicted, Diaz said. "It is my contention that our city and our state are better off than they were before marriage equality became the law," he said. His father was the only Democrat in the legislature to vote against the bill.

The junior Diaz also called for the Supreme Court to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act, which prevents the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages. "Individuals who love one another, regardless of their sexual orientation, should not be denied the benefits of marriage," he said. "It is time for the Supreme Court to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act."

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Trudy Ring

Trudy Ring is The Advocate’s senior politics editor and copy chief. She has been a reporter and editor for daily newspapers and LGBTQ+ weeklies/monthlies, trade magazines, and reference books. She is a political junkie who thinks even the wonkiest details are fascinating, and she always loves to see political candidates who are groundbreaking in some way. She enjoys writing about other topics as well, including religion (she’s interested in what people believe and why), literature, theater, and film. Trudy is a proud “old movie weirdo” and loves the Hollywood films of the 1930s and ’40s above all others. Other interests include classic rock music (Bruce Springsteen rules!) and history. Oh, and she was a Jeopardy! contestant back in 1998 and won two games. Not up there with Amy Schneider, but Trudy still takes pride in this achievement.
Trudy Ring is The Advocate’s senior politics editor and copy chief. She has been a reporter and editor for daily newspapers and LGBTQ+ weeklies/monthlies, trade magazines, and reference books. She is a political junkie who thinks even the wonkiest details are fascinating, and she always loves to see political candidates who are groundbreaking in some way. She enjoys writing about other topics as well, including religion (she’s interested in what people believe and why), literature, theater, and film. Trudy is a proud “old movie weirdo” and loves the Hollywood films of the 1930s and ’40s above all others. Other interests include classic rock music (Bruce Springsteen rules!) and history. Oh, and she was a Jeopardy! contestant back in 1998 and won two games. Not up there with Amy Schneider, but Trudy still takes pride in this achievement.