Here’s Carl Paladino in September, speaking to the very same Hasidic group where he ultimately delivered his now-infamous comments about gays’ “brainwashing” children:
But now Carl Paladino of course knows that he’s stepped in it big time. So where there was once a need to say whatever he thought would appease the uber-homo-hostile Yehuda Levin, there is now the realization that unfettered anti-gayness will not fly in New York. And whereas there was once “not one iota of respect” for even civil unions, there is now the suggestion that the anti-civil union, pro-“let the people vote” Republican candidate has the exact same position as the pro-civil union, anti-vote-on-marriage President:
1) I am a live and let live person.
2) I am 100% against discrimination of any group. I oppose discrimination of any kind in housing, credit, insurance benefits or visitation.
3) I am 100% against hate crimes in any form.
4) I am in support of civil agreements and equal rights for all citizens.
5) My position on marriage is based on my personal views. I have the same position on this issue as President Barrack (sic) Obama. I have previously stated I would support a referendum by New York voters. I have proposed Initiative and Referendum so New Yorkers can decide important issues like this.
6) The portrayal of me as anti-gay is inconsistent with my lifelong beliefs and actions and my prior history as an father, employer and friend to many in the gay and lesbian community.
The full “apology”: Carl Paladino…apologizes? [NYDN]
Mmm hmm, Carl. And we’re enjoying that oceanfront midtown Manhattan apartment you sold us too!
