Faith leaders respond to Carl Paladino's divisive remarks

On October 11, 2010, a response to Carl Paladino's tumultuous comments about homosexuality was issued by the National Religious Leadership Roundtable, convened by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Paladino stated that children should not be "brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is as equally valid or successful an option [as heterosexuality]." He continued on to criticize his opponent Andrew Cuomo for marching in New York's gay pride parade with his daughters. The Task Force blog has more information, including a video from Rev. Rebecca Voelkel, faith work director.

Mary E. Hunt of WATER contributed the following:

The last thing the governor's race in New York State needs is homophobic comments from anyone. While the Roman Catholic hierarchy will not step up to the plate on this one, let it be known that many Catholics consider homosexuality "an equally valid and successful opetion" for loving, committed, and generative relationship. Suggestions to the contrary reveal either ignorance of contemporary theological work, homo hatred, or both. Ample resources from Catholic social justice teachings prove that disrespect for human persons and their choices has no place in Catholic circles. The work of groups like Dignity, New Ways Ministry, Fortunate Families, Call to Action, and Women-Church Convergence is testimony to the fact that Catholicism can and should be inclusive, welcoming, and supportive of the variety of ways people choose to love, partner and generate families.

Mission of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation
From their website
The mission of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is to build the grassroots power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. We do this by training activists, equipping state and local organizations with the skills needed to organize broad-based campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT referenda and advance pro-LGBT legislation, and building the organizational capacity of our movement. Our Policy Institute, the movement’s premier think tank, provides research and policy analysis to support the struggle for complete equality and to counter right-wing lies. As part of a broader social justice movement, we work to create a nation that respects the diversity of human expression and identity and creates opportunity for all.

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