This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
Published on July 15, 2019, a heated debate in the New York City Council led to a call for apology and removal from the chairmanship of the Committee on For-Hire Vehicles by Mr. Torres.
Mr. Torres delivered a powerful speech from the Council chambers floor, condemning Mr. Díaz's homophobic remarks and sharing his personal struggles with depression and identity as a young man.
Following his speech, Mr. Torres was comforted by Carlos Menchaca, an openly gay councilman from Brooklyn, in a heartfelt hug.
“To have an elected official attack the quality and dignity of L.G.B.T. people sends a message to young people who are thinking of taking their own life as they struggle with their identity,” Mr. Torres said.
Mr. Díaz defended his views, stating they were based on his religion, and claimed that voters in the 15th Congressional District accepted his stance.
Mr. Díaz, a self-proclaimed “conservative Democrat,” has referred to himself as the “opposite” of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
He also stated, “My family is full of gays,” and attempted to clarify his stance on gay marriage, saying, “I don't believe in gay marriage but that doesn’t mean I hate people.”
These comments have made the congressional race between Mr. Torres and Mr. Díaz a pressing issue, according to the Equality PAC, which supports L.G.B.T.Q. candidates.
Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat from Rhode Island and co-chairman of Equality PAC, emphasized the importance of this race, stating, “What makes this race so important is that it’s shaping up to be a contest between Ritchie Torres and Rubén Díaz, someone who has demonized the L.G.B.T.Q. community throughout his career and shown a profound lack of respect.”
As a result of the outside attention, Mr. Torres has already raised over $500,000, while Mr. Díaz has raised $80,000.
