Why did this anti-gay marriage senator have dinner with two gay hoteliers?

Some are surprised to find that two gay hoteliers from New York hosted a reception for Senator Ted Cruz on Monday, because of the latter’s stance against same-sex marriage.

The New York Times reports that the Republican Senator for Texas, Cruz, never mentioned his strong opposition to same-sex marriage during the dinner and “fireside chat”.

The event was hosted by Mati Weiderpass and Ian Reisner’s penthouse apartment. Reisner owns Out NYC, a gay-friendly hotel on the West Side in Manhattan, and he co-owns, along with Weiderpass,  around 75% of Fire Island Pines’ commercial district.

According to Reisner, during the reception, Cruz said: “If one of my daughters were gay, I would love them just as much.”

Now Out NYC faces trouble, with a Facebook page calling for businesses that Reisner owns to be boycotted having received over 1,500 lilkes.

The New York Times article contained a photo of Weiderpass with Cruz which was taken during the evening.

Many, on realising who was in the photo, questioned why the pair would host a reception for Cruz, given his stance on gay issues.

Writing on his Facebook page, Reisner said he was “given the opportunity to have a candid conversation with Senator Ted Crus on where he stood on issues including the state of Israel and national security.”

“For my entire adult life, I have been an ardent supporter and activist for gay rights and LGBT organizations worldwide,” Reisner continued.

“Senator Ted Cruz and I disagree strongly on the issue of gay marriage, but having an open dialogue with those who have differing political opinions is a part of what this country was founded on,” wrote Reisner. “My tireless support of the gay community and its causes worldwide hasn’t changed and will not change.”

Republican Presidential wannabe Ted Cruz is reportedly attempting to halt the progress of same-sex marriage cases – just days ahead of a Supreme Court hearing on the issue.

The highest court in the United States is set to hear arguments from next Monday, April 28, on a case surrounding same-sex marriage bans, which could potentially bring marriage equality to all 50 states.

However, as the US sits on the cusp of potentially eliminating marriage discrimination, Ted Cruz – a Republican Senator for Texas – is attempting to force it back in the other direction.

The Senator pledged to “uphold the sacrament of marriage” when announcing his run for President last month.

• Dec 01 2023

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