SENATOR REV. DIAZ SALUTES BLOOMBERG BOYCOTTERS

New York State Senator Reverend Diaz (D-Bronx) has released the following statement:

An editorial in today’s Daily News quotes part of a letter to Mayor Michael Bloomberg from Muslim religious leaders who will boycott the Mayor’s interfaith breakfast that will be held tomorrow:

“We believe with heartfelt conviction that during times when a community’s rights are being flagrantly violated, its leaders cannot in good conscience appear at a public gathering with the government official who is ultimately responsible and smile for the cameras as if all is well, when we know full well that is not.”

I salute them, and would like to add the following:

It has been well documented how Mayor Bloomberg used his fortune to buy votes in Albany to pass the State’s gay marriage law- knowing perfectly well that his law violates the core religious belief of every mayor religion in New York.

Mayor Bloomberg refused to allow ANY religious leaders to participate in New York official 911 Memorial Service- a deplorable act which insulted people of every faith throughout the City.

Mayor Bloomberg has banned religious groups from renting space in public schools for weekend worship services despite the City’s serious budget woes- another slap in the face to religious communities.

Mayor Bloomberg has mandated that an extremist sexual education program will be implemented for New York City public school children- with a complete disregard for the opposition by religious leaders.

Mayor Bloomberg signed a bill into law to oppose crisis pregnancy centers in New York City despite the staggering abortion rate of 41 percent and the outcry by religious leaders to permit pro-lifers to be guaranteed their First Amendment rights.  His consistent efforts to promote abortion are diametrically opposed to the guidance and care that most New York’s religious leaders provide.

Mayor Bloomberg continues to make a mockery of New York’s religious leaders as he invites them to join him at special events while he continues to pick apart the moral fabric of our society.

I urge of my brothers and sisters who serve as religious leaders in New York to pray for Mayor Bloomberg, and I also urge them to not attend tomorrow’s breakfast.

This is what you should know, and I am the Rev. Senator Rubén Díaz.