Paladino comments spark downtown rally

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The gay and lesbian community of Buffalo is "mad as hell" at Carl Paladino. The GOP gubernatorial contender's comments against the gay culture and gay marriage provoked a furious response in New York City.

Paladino told reporters he does not discriminate against gays, but draws the line at gay marriage and events that promote the gay lifestyle. Local groups were protesting Tuesday night outside Paladino's Ellicott Square headquarters. At one point, nearly a hundred people were in attendance with a very loud message.

Protestor Roberta McCaslin said, "He's a hypocrite. He has been for, since I've been watching the news, since he started running. I don't want him in office."

The Republican gubernatorial candidate set off a firestorm after comments he recently made.

"I just think my children, and your children, would be much better off, and much more successful, getting married and raising a family. And I don't want them to be brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid and successful option," said Paladino.

Gays and lesbians gathered in front of Paladino's Ellicott Square building with a message of their own.

Jorien Brock of the Pride Center of WNY said, "So the idea of this kind of language and saying you don't support a whole segment, a whole diverse set of communities, is just not okay."

Even Governor David Paterson, in Buffalo on another matter, says hate crimes and bullying against gays and lesbians are issues that can't be ignored.

"There was a suicide of a student whose intimate moments were streamed on the internet, a form of cyber-bullying. And I didn't remember any comment or thought that came from Mr. Paladino or his campaign," said Paterson.

One of the few Paladino supporters spotted in the crowd believes the candidate is not anti-gay rights.

David Bretl said, "Everybody in this state are taxpayers, whether you're gay or not. If you're straight, you're a taxpayer. And Carl Paladino is for the people. If he said something offline, that was possible, but he didn't mean to hurt anybody's feelings."

Late on Tuesday, Paladino issued a statement saying, "I sincerely apologize for any comment that may have offended the Gay and Lesbian Community or their family members. Any reference to branding an entire community based on a small representation of them is wrong."