Carl Paladino The Republican candidate for New York governor has told an audience of 50 rabbis that he does not want children "brainwashed" into thinking being gay is acceptable. Carl Paladino read in a prepared speech ''My children and your children would be much better off and much more successful getting married and raising a family. 'And I don't want them brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid and successful option. It isn't.'' Newsday reports that he left out one line in the statement, which was distributed in advance, that "there is nothing to be proud of in being a dysfunctional homosexual.'' A spokesman for the Democratic candidate Andrew Cuomo says Paladino ''displays a stunning homophobia and a glaring disregard for basic equality'' and said he is ''way out of the mainstream and is unfit to represent New York''. Paladino also promised to veto any same-sex marriage or civil union bills and to fight against abortion rights. The speech is reported to have been mostly prepared by his hosts. Paladino has tried to save face on national TV shows, telling ABC's Good Morning America "I'm not a homophobic . . .I have no reservations whatsoever about gays except for marriage." US media report his remarks have bothered many New York GLBT people, particularly in light of recent –anti-gay violence in parts of the city.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 12th October 2010 - 1:49pm