Erica Díaz, 22, conducted an interview with the New York Post
newspaper as her grandfather, a Bronx Democrat, continues to
vigorously campaign against same-sex marriage in the US state.
"This fight is personal," she said. "When I was younger,
marriage equality was not an issue for me, but now, as my
grandfather ceaselessly and callously comments on the issue, each
and every word stings since I live with my girlfriend of two years,
Naomi Torres, and our two sons, Jared and Jeremiah Munoz.
"My family deserves the same benefits as others. Naomi -- whom I
would like to marry -- should be able to do things that straight
married people take for granted, like make a decision for me if I'm
sick."
Ruben Diaz Snr. has been one of the most outspoken opponents in
the 2011 effort to legalise same-sex marriage in New York.
On May 15 he led a rally of thousands of traditional marriage
supporters in the Bronx - an event which Erica counter-protested
and subsequently spoke at alongside, but against, her
grandfather.
Despite him embracing her on stage, she said his words of
so-called Christian love are empty.
"Grandpa even called me after the rally to say that he was proud
of me for respectfully speaking up for what I believe in. But you
cannot tell someone that you love them and stay silent when people
call for their death. Love is empty when you say someone's life
isn't natural."
She also referred to a recent radio interview in which her
grandfather tacitly encouraged the death of gay people.
"My grandfather spoke about marriage equality on a Spanish radio
station in April," she said.
"He was joined on the airwaves by a priest who said that gay
people are worthy of death. Papa didn't say anything. I was
shattered."
