Harlem Rep. Charles Rangel is facing a rainbow of outrage rage from the city’s elected gay leaders and advocacy groups for backing an anti- gay rights candidate for state senate.
Rangel endorsed City Councilman Fernando Cabrera, a Bronx minister who opposes gay marriage, against incumbent state Sen. Gustavo Rivera, a gay rights supporter.
Sources say Rangel is supporting Cabrera as payback for Rivera’s backing the congressman’s rival, state Sen. Adriano Espaillat, in Rangel’s own bitterly fought congressional primary last year.
“Congressman, your endorsement in this race tarnishes your long history of supporting LGBT rights and illustrious record of supporting progressive candidates for office,” the officials told Rangel in a letter.
Signatories include state Sen. Brad Hoylman, Assembly members Deborah Glick and Danny O’Donnell, as well as Council members Corey Johnson, Carlos Menchaca, Ritchie Torres, and Jimmy Van Bramer.
Also adding their names were the Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC, Empire State Pride Agenda, Lambda Independent Democrats and the Bronx Rainbow Independent Democratic Association.
“Council Member Cabrera does not stand with the LGBT community. In fact, he actively works against all of us and many of his policy positions are in opposition to the long march toward equality seen throughout your career,” the lawmakers said.
There was no immediate comment from Rangel.
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