A group of New Haven Latino clergy known for virulently opposing gay rights measures threw their support behind U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman’s reelection campaign Thursday in a speech that focused on family values and faith.
The group said the senator’s opposition to gay marriage contributed to their endorsing him: “We will not support a candidate that will go against the values of the traditional family as we know it and the Bible teaches us.”
Lieberman picked up the endorsement five days before Tuesday’s election, when he faces off against Democrat Ned Lamont for his Senate seat.
A crowd of 25 clergy from 12 different cities gathered on the steps of Fair Haven’s Second Star of Jacob Christian Church Thursday to voice their endorsement of Lieberman, who’s making a third-party bid for reelection after losing the Democratic primary to Lamont.
The event was a match between two parties with histories of visible opposition to gay rights causes. The ministers organized a vocal crowd to denounce a proposal to establish a New Haven “domestic registry” for gay couples in committed relationships, for instance, denouncing homosexuality as a sin in an hours-long public hearing. Lieberman voted for a measure proposed by Republican then-Sen. Jesse Helms (Senate Amendment no. 2434 to bill number 1513) to deny federal funding to schools that counsel students, even suicidal gay students, that it’s OK to be gay.
In a written statement, clergy stressed the need for candidates who “value and respect the principles of the church as a community of faith.
“We will not support a candidate that will go against the values of the traditional family as we know it and the Bible teaches us. This is why, as pastors and leaders that guide our people, we want to publicly support the reelection of Senator Joe Lieberman for the senate,” said minister Abraham Hernandez (pictured at right), reading from the statement.
In a short speech, Lieberman stressed the importance of faith and said he supported funding faith-based initiatives.
After the speech, a reporter asked what issues, including gay marriage, contributed to the endorsement.
“We’re just not supporting Sen. Lieberman based on one issue,” responded Hernandez. “The caliber and character of his integrity is what really draws us to say he is the best candidate.”
To what extent the group’s endorsement was based on Lieberman’s stand on gay marriage?
“I wouldn’t say it was the major reason. It was important. It helped us make our decision,” said Hernandez.
The Lamont campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment for this article.
Also Thursday, the Reg published this article by Mary O’Leary taking a closer look at the Lieberman campaign’s $387,000 in unexplained petty cash.
How nice to see the bigots aren't sitting this one out. Heaven forbid we'd have an election without some hate and intolerance injected.