From: Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign <[email protected]> Date: Oct 12, 2010 1:45 PM Subject: Paladino says gays will "brainwash" children
[image: Human Rights Campaign] Dear Friend, A candidate for New York Governor says being gay isn't "equally valid." *Tell Carl Paladino that his message of intolerance ruins kids' lives.*<http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=AfrqwQEJT7Zf0y6o46yy7A..> It takes a special kind of politician to spout off an anti-gay tirade just days after one of the worst hate crimes in recent memory in New York. *But recent suicides and hate crimes didn't stop Carl Paladino, the Republican candidate for Governor of New York, from telling LGBT young people that they're not "equally valid."* This weekend in Brooklyn, Paladino said he didn't want children "brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid or successful option." With those words, Carl Paladino made himself the poster boy for the kind of divisive leadership that makes young LGBT people question their self-worth and that fuels anti-LGBT bullying and violence. *Tell Carl Paladino that suicides and hate crimes happen when our leaders spew hate.*<http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=PeeZmB40HXg1dtPaM_xplw..> New Yorkers have been reeling this past week after nine men were charged with the savage beating and torture of three gay men who police say were targeted because of their sexual orientation. Additionally, we've all been heartbroken over the young people who have taken their own lives recently because of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment. Carl Paladino knew all of this when he made his comments. So he's either virulently homophobic or stunningly tone-deaf to the needs of the community. *But he didn't stop there.* Paladino's remarks came directly after he warned that "we must stop pandering to the pornographers and the perverts who seek to target our children and destroy their lives." He blasted his opponent Andrew Cuomo for participating in a gay pride parade, and according to news reports his prepared remarks included the sentence: *"There is nothing to be proud of in being a dysfunctional homosexual."* It's disgusting to think that Carl Paladino's idea of celebrating the eve of National Coming Out Day is to tell young LGBT people that they're not equally valid. *Carl Paladino: Apologize to the young people whose self-worth you've insulted.*<http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=-x3lpJCi-Z2wv6znmjlXVw..> Isn't it time to bring us all together, not tear us apart? Sincerely, [image: Joe Solmonese] Joe Solmonese President <http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=PdueLPh-Rn2_cLgBPq__gg..> *Share on Facebook*<http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=ZO9bsi2vccoEDAioYhxndg..> *Share on Twitter*<http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=g1Vg_tt6tderYaDAzV2Eag..> © 2010 The Human Rights Campaign. All rights reserved. Human Rights Campaign | http://www.hrc.org/<http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=bDrEH8hfAnXoqqqb9nA6hg..> 1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-3278 Phone: 202/628-4160 TTY: 202/216-1572 Fax: 202/347-5323 [image: Powered By Convio]<http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=YNTAHIB58W7FO-E_Fdz6Dw..> -- Together, we can change the world, one mind at a time. Have a great day, Tommy -- Thanks for being part of "PoliticalForum" at Google Groups. For options & help see http://groups.google.com/group/PoliticalForum * Visit our other community at http://www.PoliticalForum.com/ * It's active and moderated. Register and vote in our polls. * Read the latest breaking news, and more.
