Pride Agenda Endorses Challenger To NY Senate Traitor

The Empire State Pride Agenda, the main LGBT political advocacy organization in New York State, has begun to retaliate against the eight traitorous Democratic State Senators who voted against marriage equality last week by endorsing Assemblymember José Peralta over convicted batterer Hiram Monserrate.

“José Peralta has demonstrated time and time again that he is a champion of equality and justice for all New Yorkers and has consistently represented the interests of his district in the New York State Assembly,” said Empire State Pride Agenda Executive Director Alan Van Capelle. “His record on LGBT issues demonstrates that he does not duck-and-run when our bills come up for a vote. He has stood up for us in the Assembly, and we will stand with him in his race for the State Senate.”

Assemblymember Peralta has three times voted to pass the marriage equality bill in the Assembly, has voted twice to pass the transgender civil rights bill (the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act) and has several years in a row voted to pass the Dignity for All Students Act, which combats bias-based bullying and harassment of youth in public schools. The Pride Agenda has previously endorsed Peralta in his reelection to the New York State Assembly.

“Civil rights for all of my constituents and for all New Yorkers has always been a priority for me,” said Assemblyman José Peralta. “I have worked towards full equality for LGBT New Yorkers in my seven years as an Assemblymember, and I will be proud to continue this work as a member of the State Senate. I think my record in the Assembly demonstrates that when I take a principled stand on an important human rights issue like marriage equality, I don’t suddenly change my mind when the bill comes up for a vote.”

“Queens needs a new State Senator—one with integrity and honor, and who stands up for the rights of all New Yorkers. José Peralta is that person,” said Van Capelle. “Over the next several months, the Pride Agenda will roll out endorsements of candidates who support equality and will challenge sitting members of the State Senate on both sides of the aisle whose record on equality is a stain on New York.”

One down and seven to go.