“A Man Can Be Wiser Today Than Yesterday” - Four Republicans’ Equality Vote

New York State Senator Mark Grisanti made possibly the speech of the night, in a night of speeches both moving and, in the case of one particular asshat, incomprehensible (See GOP Senator Stephen Saland wrestle with Diaz, followed by the roll call vote, cheers, and more Diaz asshattery below the jump):

Yes, GOP senators held out for the sort of exemption for religious institutions that would be viewed quite differently if the issue were race instead of gender (and no doubt will be, in the near future), and perhaps the backlash Senators Grisanti, McDonald, Saland, and Alesi may be facing from their conservative districts will be less than the Apocalyptics promised by foaming Freepers and, surprise!—the social issue- eschewing Tea Party.

Nevertheless, it was still heartwarming watching the mastodons thaw. After being over-lobbied, evidently, by clerics including New York’s gilded representative of Child Molestation International, ten days ago, Senator Roy McDonald made a memorably emphatic expression of support for marriage equality:

“You get to the point where you evolve in your life where everything isn’t black and white, good and bad, and you try to do the right thing.

You might not like that. You might be very cynical about that. Well, f—- it, I don’t care what you think. I’m trying to do the right thing. I’m tired of Republican-Democrat politics. They can take the job and shove it. I come from a blue-collar background. I’m trying to do the right thing, and that’s where I’m going with this.”

And bonus points to Carl Kruger (D-Closet) for a nice Brooklynese attempt at explaining his change-of-heart that instantly turned wingnut faces a beautiful Gay-Pride purple:

And the asshat mentioned above, cheerfully bigoted Democrat Ruben Diaz? Having led the opposition, including NOM rallies for the past two years, the senator today released this statement (via Gothamist):

Now that the debate on marriage equality has been resolved, it is time for us to come together and move forward in a positive manner with respect for our fellow Bronxites and all New Yorkers, irrespective of our differences, backgrounds and religious beliefs. We must both celebrate and build upon our diversity for a better and brighter future for all of our hard working families. I also wish to complement Governor Andrew Cuomo for working sincerely and diligently to ensure that the appropriate balance of protections are ensured within the bill.
With that said, I now have two marriages to look forward to—those of my niece Erica Diaz and my chief-of-staff Paul Del Duca.

Don’t worry about the senator being seated behind the potted palms, though; he may be looking forward to Erica’s wedding, but he’s already announced he won’t go.

Posted by Mrs. Polly on 06/25/11 at 03:22 PM • Permalink

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