July 16 - New York City LGBT political clubs Stonewall Democrats of NYC, Gay and Lesbian Independent Democrats, Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn, and Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens released the following joint statement in response to news about republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino's alignment with anti-LGBT activists.

“Yesterday, LGBT New Yorkers found out that Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino received nearly $85,000 in campaign contributions from a person that believes that LGBT couples are incapable of being stable, healthy parents and are undeserving of the same legal protections as everyone else. Sean Fieler, a main funder of the City Action Coalition PAC, has consistently donated to Rob Astorino over the past several years. He has also contributed to funding the repeal of transgender rights in California, spearheaded an attack ad campaign in 2013 against some of our greatest leaders in the New York City Council because they are openly gay, and has continued to stand against progressive values that have defined our City and State as a leader for equality.

“Does Mr. Astorino agree with his top donor's ultraconservative views that LGBT New Yorkers are morally inferior to others? Does he support Sean Fieler's commitment to rolling back the clock on marriage equality nationwide?

“Rob Astorino should return the funds given by Sean Fieler. If he supports these views, he should know that the LGBT community will not let New York be taken back into the dark ages.”