New York, NY – Same-Sex Marriage a Tricky Issue for Weprin, Turner

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    At a debate in Manhattan Beach, NY Aug 31 2011. Photo: Shimon GifterNew York, NY – Same-sex marriage is the law in New York – and a political albatross for both David Weprin and Bob Turner, the candidates for Anthony Weiner’s old seat in Congress.

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    Jewish leaders are turning on Democrat Weprin, an Orthodox Jew, for voting in favor of gay nuptials as a state assemblyman.

    And GOP candidate Turner is taking former Mayor Ed Koch’s advice to avoid the controversial issue at all costs.

    “The gay marriage issue is closed, it’s New York state law,” Turner told the Daily News. “I don’t see any reason to be using this as a campaign issue.”

    Despite Turner’s demurral, the issue is part of the campaign.

    The Jewish Voice, a small ethnic weekly, crossed religious lines to endorse Turner over Weprin.

    And dozens of Orthodox rabbis signed a letter condemning Weprin’s vote, insisting it would break Jewish law to support the Democrat.

    But Turner said that Koch told him the topic was a political loser.

    “He said, ‘I don’t think that’s a good issue,’ and I said even before he got it out that I absolutely agree,” Turner said.

    Koch said it was wrong for the rabbis to “condemn David Weprin for exercising his conscience.”

    Weprin said he thinks Turner is “playing a double game,” letting supporters leaflet Orthodox neighborhoods with anti-Weprin flyers while personally dodging the issue.

    Below video Weprin asked about Gay Marriage bill. Credit: Shimon Gifter


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    8 Comments
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    ShmorPicha
    ShmorPicha
    12 years ago

    Its a smart political move on Turner’s part. Its like if they voted on whether to raise taxes and by the time it got to the last voter it was already decided by vote that they would do it so the last guy abstains from voting because he doesnt want to be associated with the negativity of the public eye that taxes are bad. Same thing here. Turner might be pro gay marriage but as long as he abstains from giving his side, people wont associate him with pro gay marriage and the gay people wont associate him the anti gay marriage. Its a win win. Nice move Turner.

    eighthcomment
    eighthcomment
    12 years ago

    Its an issue for the constituents- not discussing it won’t make it go away. I would vote for a candidate that would even attempt to somehow try to get a referendum on it

    Flgroup
    Flgroup
    12 years ago

    Koch said it’s wrong for Rabbis to condemn Weprin, who is Koch to tel Rabbis what to do

    shari
    shari
    12 years ago

    Turner said that he supports DOA- the defense of marriage act

    Secular
    Secular
    12 years ago

    I am shocked and stunned that VIN has twice now censored my posts critical of Mr. Weprin, as well as of VIN and their support and endorsement of him.

    I long considered VIN to be superior to the other ‘orthodox blogs’ because of their allowing of multiple diverse and opposing views. The other Blog routinely censors and edits posters’ comments who so much as disagree with an article’s stance or tone.

    I am really disappointed…

    ShalomCon
    ShalomCon
    12 years ago

    How does same sex marriage affect anyone who is not gay? At its core, isn’t Jewish marriage a contract between two consenting adults?