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Party tensions arose across the state after Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino criticized the LGBT community last week, saying he did not want children to be, "brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is as equally valid or successful an option [as heterosexuality]."
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Paladino went on to criticize opponent Andrew Cuomo for marching in New York's gay pride parade with his daughters, saying it's "not the example that we should be showing our children, certainly not in our schools."
The comments have since sparked an outrage in the gay community and in various political organizations around the city.
"Homophobia is never okay, but to spew this anti-gay venom after the recent anti-gay attacks around the city is just plain reckless and irresponsible," Glennda Testone, executive director of the NYC LGBT Community Center, said. "It is exactly the sort of message our society must not condone, as it breeds intolerance and hate."
Raymond Carlo Maria Ampil, co-vice president of the Queer Union at NYU, called Paladino a bigot.
"At a time when the effects of homophobia and transphobia are causing so much widespread collateral damage, he chooses to pander to the fears, ignorance and hate of those who think the very existence of the queer community is a threat," he said.
He added, "Anyone who votes for Paladino cannot describe themselves as moderate. He is an extremist candidate."
"He is completely out of touch with the people," Jake McCloskey, president of the NYU College Libertarians, said. "His statements show the hate and bigotry that are holding the nation back."
The NYU College Democrats have been very vocal since the remarks, going as far as to begin a protest on their blog.
"This is not about Albany or politics in general," NYU College Democrats president Madeline Labadie wrote. "It's about taking a stand for something important and confronting those who choose to attack a minority group."
The statewide reaction has caused Paladino to do a considerable amount of backtracking since making his comments.
Paladino told The New York Times, "I could have used a better word than 'brainwashed.' "
He added, "Kids are being taught in school about homosexuality and I don't think that's proper," but insisted, "I am 100 percent supportive of gay rights."
But Ampil from the Queer Union did not believe Paladino was being sincere.
"Election time apologies are really dubious," Ampil said. "He was unable to stop himself from uttering hateful and vile words and sentiments and now that he knows how it's going to bite him in the ass, he comes and asks to be forgiven. Please. His fakeness is so transparent."
NYU College Democrats secretary Josh Schneier supports the necessity of Paladino's apology.
"I think it's well said," he said. "I can't look into his heart and tell you what he really feels, but I do believe it was something that he needed to say."
The NYU College Republicans stood behind their choice for governor while at the same time supporting the LGBT community, saying his remarks, especially those he never vocalized, were greatly blown out of proportion by the media.
"The official stance of Carl Paladino has always been against gay marriage but never against gays as a whole," Jason Angelico, College Republicans treasurer, said. "His comments seem to me much more attacking an agenda than a group of people."
Many New Yorkers, including Testone, have wondered why Paladindo made such controversial comments, especially in such a liberal city as New York.
"This is New York City, we celebrate diversity, we care for each other and we believe that gay and lesbian people deserve nothing less than full equality," Testone said. "New Yorkers know that LGBT people are proud contributors to the community."
Paladino will still have time to make up some ground in the next few weeks, especially at the gubernatorial debate to take place at Hofstra University on Oct. 18. But Angelico said he will have to change his plan of attack.
"He has admitted that he has made some missteps on his campaign, but I believe if he is aware of the problems, he can sooner pose solutions," Angelico said. "He needs to start taking shots at Mr. Cuomo and start turning this into a battle of issues."
