Brian Brown, the president of the
National Organization for Marriage (NOM), has signed on to speak at
New
York state Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.'s May 15 rally in opposition to
an
effort to legalize gay marriage in the state.
NOM is the country's most vociferous
opponent of gay marriage, and Diaz is its counterpart in the Senate.
“On May 15, Rev Díaz called for a
rally in the Bronx and I will be there!” Brown wrote in an blog
post at the group's website. “Talk about fighting for marriage in
the deep blue country! But marriage is an extraordinary issue which
gathers together people of all races, creeds and colors in defense of
an idea: Marriage is the way we bring together the two great halves
of humanity, male and female, in part so that children can know the
love of their mom and dad. We're gearing up with Rev. Díaz and
thousands of New Yorkers to fight for marriage. Pray for Rev. Díaz
and for all on the front lines of this fight, will you? And following
Rev. Díaz's lead, pray for those who wish to redefine marriage—for
their safety, for a new spirit of civility and decency—and for the
conversion of their hearts to support for marriage.”
While New York is deep blue country –
58%
of New York voters support marriage equality – a majority of
senators remain opposed to giving gay and lesbian couples the right
to marry. A 2009 effort failed after Republicans in the Senate
united against the bill.
To succeed, supporters will need to
change the minds of six senators who previously voted against the
measure.