It’s not like New York State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. promised to support gay marriage. He just said he would keep an open mind — while accepting $9,500 from gay philanthropist Tim Gill and other LGBT supporters. And, as Sen. Tom Duane’s outrage suggests, he indicated to Daune that he’d be backing it before voting no. But what’s that supposed to mean, yo?
“I guess I would be a defector if, at some point, whether it being my campaign last year or at any point this year, I would’ve said, ‘Yes, I was going to vote for the marriage equality bill,’ but at no point did I ever say yes,” he says in an interview. “It was my intention to keep an open mind … to get a clear understanding where my district stands on this issue.” As Addabbo notes, he represents a conservative Queens district, and no amount of pressure — or name calling — from groups like the Empire State Pride Agenda was enough. Nor any amount of reminders that he used to support gay rights while sitting on the NYC City Council.
What Addabbo refuses to do, however, is acknowledge marriage equality is a civil rights issue. The debate “is different for everyone. … I could see that argument … on many levels.” He also refuses to say publicly whether he thinks gay marriage should be legal.
So while Addabbo says he kept an open mind on the issue, so, too, did we keep an open mind about Addabbo’s qualifications to represent New Yorkers. But now, our mind is made up.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
(NB: Bizarrely, while we’re furious with Addabbo’s vote, we respect the senator for so quickly responding to the criticism, including during this presser.)
Jon B
We need him out of office!
Herbert Wassinger
get him out of office and into a gym!!
Mark from NM
Another fine example of the majority voting on the rights of a minority, through one person. This has got to go Federal.
FakeName
Email this fucktard and explain exactly why he’s a fucktard.
[email protected]
FakeName
Addabbo’s automated response:
“Thank you for your e-mail. As a constituent in my district, if you wish to discuss your matter further, please call my district office at 718-738-1111.”
Wow, how thoughtful.
Tom N.
Let’s get rid of him…wait till re-election time.
TN
I live in this weasel’s district and I’m pretty disgusted with him. Not only am I not voting for him, but I’m donating and campaigning for anyone running against him.
leliorisen
Thhis man is a hypocrite who hijacked glbt dollars and voted against us on the basis of a couple of anti-gay opponents he met at a library.
Gloves off.
I have decided to take on these 8 traitors, one-by-one on my blog.
I have links to the glbt $$ support he received and his contact info, including links to his disgusting facebook page.
I will be doing pieces on all 8 Dems in the coming days.
http:leliorisen.blogspot.com
Youngmaid
This man is a hypocrite indeed. If Addabbo voted NO based on the majority of his constituents, I think Addabbo should return all the money ($9,500) he received from the LGBT organizations. Is there a way that Tim Gill and other LGBT supporters can sue to get their money back? Besides, they were deceived by Addabbo.
leliorisen
Better yet, let’s let him know we will match those dollars, and then some, working to defeat him in the next primary.
He has certainly made an enemy of me, and I will be rabid in my desire to see him go down to defeat.
Some things don’t even require a price tag. if more folks in the glbt community get angry, he will go down to defeat.
What concerns me is the fact that, apparently, very few people bothered to lobby him before the vote. I have discussed this apathy of our community with other activists. It is a real concern.
It is us to rile up our friends and supporters.
AndrewW
@ #9 Youngmaid
If he voted the will of his constituents then he was doing his job. Our job is to change the will of his constituents. Yeah, we didn’t try to do any of that. Our fault.
Jaroslaw
Yes, he should represent his constituents. Who pay taxes. So, you’ll be advocating Gays don’t have to pay as many taxes, #11?
And sometimes, just once in a blue moon, legislators have to do what is right, equal and just. If they didn’t, women still would not be voting and we would still have slavery.
Not to mention I think he knew the “mood” of his district before he took $9,500. Why wouldn’t he, and I am serious in the question.
Anny
So, Are you saying that LGBT PAID for his vote??? That is what it sounds like. This is so stupid to suggest that they take their money back. How embarrassing.
leliorisen
I think Youngmaid was referring to the hypocrisy and irony.
Obviously the response, in view of what Addabbo did is two-fold:
1) We need to have glbt members of his district lobby him better.
2) We need to take whatever glbt money goes into this district’s primary, to support a pro-gay candidate to defeat him for the Democratic nomination.
If that fails, and if there is a GOP candidate who is better on social issues (like a Dede Scozzafava), then that is who we support.