All tag results for 'carl paladino'

Well, isn't this an interesting turn of events!

New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino, who has come under fire this past week due to his homophobic remarks to the press, has just been uncovered as the building owner of two gay clubs in Buffalo. State liquor license records show that Carl even collected rent from the clubs once and that his son, William, actually ran one of the joints in 2004 and most of 2005.

Another piece of the puzzle.

Either Carl leaked this information himself to show some allegiance or he's a pretty hefty hypocrite.

Or both. We remain skeptical.

Thoughts?

[Image via AP Images.]

Tags: candidate, carl paladino, gay, gay clubs, homophobe, new york, republican

It's a step in the right direction. Let's see if you actually mean it.

New York Republican gubernatorial nominee Carl Paladino made some awful homophobic remarks earlier last week, equating homosexuality to being "brainwashed" and asserting that being gay was NOT a "valid and successful option" in life.

We were truly hurt to hear someone in such a position speak so narrow-mindedly about things he obviously knows nothing about and we know we weren't alone. The backlash he's received as of late has made him have to own up to his prejudices and this morning, he released an apology. In his press release, he states:

I am Carl Paladino, a father, a husband, a builder and a business owner. I am neither perfect, nor a career politician. I have made mistakes in this campaign - I have made mistakes all my life- as we all have. I am what I am - a simple man who works hard, trusts others, and loves his family and fears for the future of our State.

Yesterday I was handed a script. I redacted some contents that were unacceptable. I did also say some things for which I should have chosen better words. I said other things that the press misinterpreted and misstated. I sincerely apologize for any comment that may have offended the Gay and Lesbian Community or their family members. Any reference to branding an entire community based on a small representation of them is wrong. My personal beliefs are:

1) I am a live and let live person.

2) I am 100% against discrimination of any group. I oppose discrimination of any kind in housing, credit, insurance benefits or visitation.

3) I am 100% against hate crimes in any form.

4) I am in support of civil agreements and equal rights for all citizens.

5) My position on marriage is based on my personal views. I have the same position on this issue as President Barrack Obama. I have previously stated I would support a referendum by New York voters. I have proposed Initiative and Referendum so New Yorkers can decide important issues like this.

6) The portrayal of me as anti-gay is inconsistent with my lifelong beliefs and actions and my prior history as an father, employer and friend to many in the gay and lesbian community.

I am concerned with the future for all our citizens, gay, straight, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim and Agnostic. Although I am not perfect I do admit my mistakes. I will reach out to leaders of the gay community to educate me on how to better represent my support for the rights of all citizens. If elected as your governor I will stand and fight for all gay New Yorkers rights. I ask you for forgiveness on my poorly chosen words and the publication by others not involved with our campaign of unredacted script that did not reflect my oral statement or match my personal feelings. Please go to my website www.paladinoforthepeople.com to learn more detail about the issues including my staunch support for civil rights for all New Yorkers.

So you blame your speech writer for the words that you said? Will that go the same for this press release?

Only time will tell if he truly means what he says or if this is just another politician trying to cover his tracks.

But we're curious…

Look back at statement #6. Is he implying he is a father to a member of the gay community? As in, one of his own children is homosexual? How awful it would be if one of his own children had to hear how their father really felt about being homosexual!

Shame!

[Image via AP Images.]

Tags: apology, carl paladino, gay, new york

While delivering a speech at the 30th annual Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Awards Dinner on Monday, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg addressed homophobic remarks that have been in the press (aka Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino) and pleaded for tolerance.

He said:

"Let me be clear, these incidents are completely unacceptable. They're intolerable in a city in which tolerance is what defines us. They're unacceptable in a city in which embracing our differences is what makes us strong. Because when any New Yorker is attacked because of who they are or who they love, the fabric that binds us together is torn. That's why these attacks are attacks on us all, and why they can never, ever be allowed. Especially when it comes to our kids.

To those who have been the target of bullying and bias, whether you happen to be in this room or in any neighborhood in the city, I say this: this great city stands with you. We believe in you. We want you here. We will do anything in our power to keep you safe. And we will do everything in our power to punish those who dare threaten the well being of our citizens.

As I said over the weekend, the perpetrators of the abuse and torture in the Bronx will be spared no mercy. At the same time, we will continue — with the help of PFLAG — reinforcing in our public schools what is the most comprehensive anti-bullying policy of its kind in the nation. Because building a city of honesty and respect and civility begins with our children.

This city's greatest strength has always been its diversity and openness. There are moments when that is challenged, when some argue for closing, rather than opening doors -for closing, rather than opening our hearts.

But I am confident that will never happen, in part because of your energy and advocacy. And clearly, as we note on this night of celebration, that good work is needed now, more than ever before.

So let me close by saying that our city — and our nation — have come a long way, but our journey is not yet complete. I wish for you the same thing I wish for any parent in this city: the joy of seeing your son or daughter fall in love, the joy of walking your son or daughter down the aisle on the most important day of their lives. Government should not be in the business of telling anyone whom he or she can and cannot love. And believe me, I will fight with you every single day to make that a reality. Good night, and God bless."

Powerful!

Equality for all.

[Image via WENN.]

Tags: carl paladino, gay rights, mayor michael bloomberg, pflag

Oh no he didn't!

New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino has made some very derogatory statements about the gays and their effects on the kiddies.

He said he did not want children "to be brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid or successful option. It isn't."

WTF?!

"There is nothing to be proud of in being a dysfunctional homosexual," read Paladino's prepared remarks, which were not uttered. "That's not how (God) created us."

And this came after the arrest of eight men, who brutally attacked four gay men!

Paladino continued:

"Don't misquote me as wanting to hurt homosexual people in any way. That would be a dastardly lie — my approach is live and let live. I just think my children and your children would be much better off and much more successful getting married and raising a family."

He also slammed Democratic opponent, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, for marching in New York's gay pride parade in June.

"That's not the example that we should be showing the children and certainly not in our schools," said Paladino.

And Cuomo spokesman Josh Vlasto had quite the response.

He said:

"Mr. Paladino's statement displays a stunning homophobia and a glaring disregard for basic equality. These comments along with other views he has espoused make it clear that he is way out of the mainstream and is unfit to represent New York."

Gay rights groups are pissed too!

Christopher Barron, chairman of the gay conservative group GOProud, said:

"Carl Paladino's comments would matter if they were coming from a serious political figure, however they are not. They are instead coming from the imploding campaign of a man with the personal baggage of John Edwards and all the electability of Alan Keyes."

And we can't believe his campaign manager, Michael Caputo, is standing by the comments!

Caputo stated:

"Carl Paladino's position on this is exactly equivalent to the Catholic Church. And if Andrew Cuomo has a problem with the Catholic Church's position on abortion and homosexuality, he needs to take it up with his parish priest."

Sick.

Tags: anti-gay, carl paladino, gubernatorial candidate, new york

After Joy Behar took on gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino saying that the only way he could win the election was if "all of his illegitimate children vote," he fired back - and he could not have been more tacky!

Paladino said that her hairstylist is illegitimate and she was suffering from a hot flash.

"This isn't a wig," responded Joy. "Even Bill Maher couldn't believe he pulled the hot-flash card."

We never had any doubts, honey!

[Image via WENN.]

Tags: carl paladino, hot flashes, joy behar