And Stay Out!

Girlfriend slasher, and gay marriage opponent, Hiram Monserrate, who was expelled from the New York State Senate after being convicted of assault, was easily, easily, defeated yesterday by José R. Peralta in a special election in Queens for Monserrate’s former seat.

The victory wasn't unexpected, given that the Democrats and certain pro-LGBT groups in New York City worked overtime to support Peralta. And, with such support, Monserrate was forced to run as an Independent to try and get his seat back. Peralta effectively knocked Monserrate out by a 66-27% margin.

“Tonight we put an end to dysfunction,” Peralta announced after he'd won; “Our nightmare is over.”

Monserrate said, in his concession speech, “We fought a hard-fought fight. It’s a testament to our community that we pulled 4,000 votes. What we showed here is that there’s an alternative to politics as usual in Queens.”

Monserrate is the poster child for politics as usual. Say one thing, do another. And, of course, he didn't rule out another run for office in the future.

But for now, it's buh-bye Hiram, and don't let the door hit you in your lying ass on the way out.

It's On....And Hiram Will Be The First To Go

Gay New Yorkers, hell, any New Yorker who supports non-discrimination and equality for all Americans, were a bit furious after the defeat of marriage equality by the New York state legislature. And they were even more irate at some of those Democrats who voted No; like Hiram Monserrate, who said he supported marriage equality and yet voted against it.

Well, now the Empire State Pride Agenda has endorsed José Peralta to replace Hiram Monserrate. Peralta has proven time and again that he is an ally for the LGBT community and that he understands that, as it stands today, not all Americans, or New Yorkers, are treated equally.

For the record, José Peralta has voted three times to pass the marriage equality bill in the Assembly, and has voted twice to pass the transgender civil rights bill. He has also voted many times to seek passage of the Dignity for All Students Act, which combats bias-based bullying and harassment of youth in public schools.

José Peralta is the type of politician we need to see that equality does not continue to fail, in New York, and around the country.

In his own words, Assemblyman José Peralta:

“Civil rights for all of my constituents and for all New Yorkers has always been a priority for me. I have worked towards full equality for LGBT New Yorkers in my seven years as an Assemblymember, and I will be proud to continue this work as a member of the State Senate. I think my record in the Assembly demonstrates that when I take a principled stand on an important human rights issue like marriage equality, I don’t suddenly change my mind when the bill comes up for a vote.”

We need less Monserrate-type politicos who say one thing and then do another, and more like José Peralta, who understand equality for all is what's right and fair and needed.