May 29, 2020 — New York, NY — NOW urges Bronx voters to stop Ruben Diaz Sr.’s bid for higher office, where he has far more power to set back women’s rights and abortion access — in New York and across the country. Diaz vehemently opposed the New York State legislature’s efforts to enshrine the rights of Roe v. Wade into law, led the drumbeat against marriage equality in our state, and has even failed to stand up against sexual harassment. One year ago, Diaz vowed he would never report sexual harassment.

“There is no way we can send this man to Congress. This is a person who said reporting sexual harassment would make him a ‘rat,’ who has compared abortion to the Holocaust, and who has repeatedly opposed same-sex marriage. Ruben Diaz Sr. calls himself a Democrat, but refuses to say he will not vote for Trump,” said Sonia Ossorio, President of the National Organization for Women — New York City.

“His sexism and homophobia are completely out of step with the values of New Yorkers and his fellow Democrats. We urge Bronx voters to stop him now,” Ossorio said.

NOW PAC has endorsed Melissa Mark-Viverito for the 15th Congressional District. Mark-Viverito is an accomplished Latina leader who is a steadfast supporter of comprehensive reproductive health care, gay rights, and improving the lives of women and girls.

“Bronx voters have the chance to elect an accomplished Latina leader with a significant track record of elevating women and girls, getting more women leaders elected, and fighting for civil and human rights of all people,” Ossorio said. “Diaz Sr. proudly said reporting sexual harassment would make him ‘a rat,’ and he cannot make up his mind whether he will vote for Trump. That’s a good ol’ boy. Women deserve better.”

NOW-NYC ignites change for the women and girls of New York. We advance laws, promote women in politics, fight for reproductive justice, challenge discrimination and violence against women, and act NOW.

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