Gov. Paterson: Religious Leaders Lack ‘Moral Standing’ for Gay Marriage Argument
VIEWPOINTS — “You see, the fact is that for years these same individuals – many of them, not all of them, but many of them – who pronounced religious doctrine did not exercise it when young gay and lesbian students were being chastised for expressing their point of view. Where were these leaders of faith when college students of gay and lesbian orientation were beaten and often brutalized for expressing their feelings for each other? … All I’m saying is: Why didn’t they speak about that at the time when it was the other way around? See what really makes a democracy work is when you speak for others rights even when you disagree with them. I’m saying most of the religious leaders that I hear speaking out now did not do it at the time. Had they done so I think they would have better moral standing to speak at this moment on this legislation even though I disagree with them.” —New York Gov. David Paterson, speaking today at a 2,000-person rally in Albany, where supporters and opponents rallied around gay marriage, GENDA and the Dignity for All Students Act (Photo: dnblog1/Flickr)
Never thought I’d say it, but – Well put, Gov. Paterson.
I believe somebody got told.
Wow, he has that right, and, too bad more people in power don’t have the backbone to say as much, the truth shall set them free!
Nice! He was so polite as he called them out on being bad Christians and Hypocrites. Very nicely put Governor.
I think this was a direct response to “we’ll stand up for gays when they’re persecuted” Archbishop Dolan (a bit of a passive aggressive response, but these people deserve it). And he’s absolutely right. They’ve either been silent or hostile when gays were attacked. They certainly didn’t galvanize opposition to divorce by proposing state constitutional amendments or legislation, and they had the means to do so.
So yes…they lack moral standing. Well put, governor.
Amen Governor!
This man found his voice. Not even Gavin gives as good a smackdown of the religious hypocrites.
Newsom East.
Kudos to the Governor!!!! If only our people in Washington had ANY backbone! Spineless gellyfish is what we have in Washington!
You have to admit the dude raises some valid points!
RT
http://www.anonymity.ru.tc
This only further confirms what we in NY have known: The blind black Governor is a bad ass and possibly related to snake eyes.
YAY!
if he keeps speaking with integrity and conviction he may yet get elected!
all i want to know is… who would JESUS torture?
he is handsome!
He’s right, but for the wrong reasons. State-backed marriage is wrong, and needs to be abolished entirely.
Very strong argument.