I understand the dilemma if someone you know is accused of a heinous crime. This person you love is described as a monster by the media, so the impulse to protect is natural. However, there are times when silence is best.

Suspect Daniel Rodriguez needs supporters who are a bit more media savvy. Mmmmm Okay. That’s too kind. Rodriguez friends should know that every time they open their mouthS they make him look guilty. This past weekend there was a rally for Jack Price, the victim of a hate crime attack in College Park, Queens. The rally was met by a few counter-protesters. One of them is infamous for being interviewed by a local news program and showing off his Leviticus tattoo. There is nothing in your coffee.  You read right baby. A Leviticus tattoo.

Rodriquez’s colleagues insist it was no hate crime and want him freed. They also toss out that old chestnut that Price made sexual advances to his alleged attackers. They never answer if that is the tale why was Price’s jaw fractured when a “no thanks” would have been sufficient.

Price says he walked past his attackers, they taunted him in Spanish (he speaks the language), he went to a bodega for some cigarettes, and when he walked out they continued their name calling until they hit him.

Of course Rodriguez’s friends have nothing to say about that. Maybe they should pay attention to the suspect’s dad.

Sorry to be reporting this so late, but if you are in NYC today there is a rally for Jack Price. He was attacked last week as he was walking to his local bodega. Two suspects have been arrested. The rally starts at 2 pm in College Park in Queens. If you go, please send us photos to put up. More later.

The protest against equal marriage was organized by Hispanic clergy opposed to gay marriage and led by state Sen. Ruben Diaz, a Pentecostal minister.

“We’re here to say to the governor: Mr. Governor, look at the people that are here, these are the people who say we don’t believe in marriage between a man and a man and a woman and a woman,” Díaz told the crowd.

Other pastors offered prayers, including Rev. Miguel A. Rivera who said a prayer for the governor, calling him not only “physically blind, but spiritually blind.”

As the crowd dispersed, supporters of same-sex marriage began lining the streets.

Paterson originally did not plan on attending the pro-gay marriage rally, but a spokesperson said he changed his mind after seeing the crowd that attended the earlier protest.

He was joined by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and a number of celebrities including “Sex and the City” star Cynthia Nixon who announced her engagement to longtime partner Christine Marinoni.

“My name is David Paterson,” the governor told the cheering crowd, “and I came here today seeking justice,” the governor told a cheering crowd of same-sex marriage supporters.

“Let New York lead the country in making the dreams and wishes come true for people who want to get married.”

Last week the state Assembly passed a same-sex marriage equality bill 89 – 52. But its success in the Senate is doubtful.

There are a scant 18 days left in the session, and the bill is reportedly about 6 votes shy of passage. No Senate Republicans have voiced their support for the measure and up to four Democrats are expected to vote against it.

There has been a great deal of talk on The Impact about Light Up the Night for Equality [Dec. 20th] and whether or not we should have 2nd Class Citizen T-shirts.

Many feel that they are a 1st Class Citizen with 2nd Class Rights, and I think we should be allowed to express who we are in a way we are comfortable with.  When it comes down to it, few will argue that our lack of rights incorporates a feeling of 2nd Class in one way or another.

On Dec. 20th, we want to bring light to this lack of rights and want you to feel comfortable expressing the 2nd Class status in your own way.

So many people still don’t understand what we are fighting for.  Here’s some examples of the “unequal protections under the law” that the LGBTQ community faces:
We can not fight for our country without hiding who we are

In many states (like the recent law in Arkansas) We can not adopt a displaced child in need of a home and safety

In many states, we can still be fired because we are gay

My rights in Washington do not stand when I cross the border to Idaho

Therefore, if my partner were to fall ill on a cross country trip, she would be alone in the hospital and I would be powerless

Partners cannot share insurance in many states

In many states, people can be murdered because of their sexuality, but their murderer will not be tried for committing a hate crime

A loving couple can share a home, but if one passes, that home can be taken from the other in states where shared property rights are not available

Finally, a couple can share their lives, share expenses, share good times and bad over many years, but they still cannot gain the equal protections and recognition that two strangers can in one drunken night in Vegas

2 Strangers + 1 20 minute ceremony + $50 + 10 shots of tequila = Holy Matrimony and 1st Class Protections Under the Law… now who’s crazy?