Rubén Díaz Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rubén Díaz
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| Member of the New York City Council from the 18th district |
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| In office January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Annabel Palma |
| Succeeded by | Amanda Farías |
| In office January 1, 2002 – January 1, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Lucy Cruz |
| Succeeded by | Pedro Espada Jr. |
| Member of the New York Senate from the 32nd district |
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| In office January 1, 2003 – December 31, 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Pedro Espada Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Luis Sepúlveda |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 22, 1943 Bayamón, Puerto Rico |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | Rubén Díaz Jr. |
| Education | Lehman College (BA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1960–1963 |
Rubén Díaz Sr. (born April 22, 1943) is a politician from Puerto Rico and New York City. He is also a Pentecostal minister. He served on the New York City Council from 2018 to 2021. Before that, he was a member of the New York State Senate from 2003 to 2017. He is a member of the Democratic Party. His Senate district covered parts of the Bronx, including areas like Castle Hill and Parkchester.
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Early Life and Education
Rubén Díaz Sr. was born and grew up in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. In 1960, he joined the United States Army and served for three years. He received an honorable discharge. In 1965, he moved to New York City.
In 1966, Díaz became an evangelical Christian. He later earned a Bachelor's Degree from Lehman College in 1976.
Career in Public Service
Early Work
In 1977, Díaz started a senior center called Christian Community in Action. A year later, in 1978, he became an ordained minister of the Church of God. This church is known for being evangelical and pentecostal. He also founded the Christian Community Neighborhood Church, where he still serves as a pastor. Díaz is also the founder and president of the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization.
In 1993, Díaz was chosen to be on New York City's Civilian Complaint Review Board. This board looks into complaints about police behavior. In 1994, while on the board, Díaz spoke out against the city hosting the Gay Games. He believed that hosting the event would send a message to young people that certain lifestyles were without risks. Other members of the board did not agree with his comments.
New York State Senate
Díaz was elected to the New York State Senate in 2002. He represented the 32nd district from 2003 to 2017. This district included several neighborhoods in the Bronx, such as Castle Hill, Parkchester, and Hunts Point.
In 2007, Díaz was upset with Governor Eliot Spitzer. Spitzer had changed his mind about a plan to let immigrants without papers get New York driver's licenses. Díaz felt that Spitzer had gone back on his word.
In 2008, Díaz was part of a group of three Democratic Senators. They were called the "Gang of Three." They tried to use their power to get certain positions in the Senate. They also wanted to make sure the Senate would not vote on the issue of marriage equality. This plan did not work out. Eventually, they agreed to recognize Malcolm Smith as the Senate Majority Leader in 2009.
Díaz is also known for his column called "What You Should Know." He started writing it in 2012, and it began to be published in 2016 in an online newspaper.
New York City Council
Díaz was first elected to the New York City Council in 2001. He then moved to the New York State Senate the next year.
In 2017, Díaz won the Democratic primary for the 18th district of the New York City Council. He received 42% of the votes. In November 2017, he was elected to the City Council for District 18.
In February 2019, Díaz caused a discussion when he said that the City Council was "controlled by the homosexual community." After this, on February 13, 2019, the City Council voted to close down the committee that Díaz was leading. The Council Speaker, Corey Johnson, also asked him to step down.
In July 2020, Díaz announced that he would not run for re-election in 2021. Amanda Farías took his place.
2020 U.S. House of Representatives Election
In April 2019, Díaz announced he would run for the U.S. House of Representatives. He was seeking to represent New York's 15th congressional district. On June 23, 2020, he lost the Democratic primary election. He finished third among 12 candidates. Ritchie Torres won that election.
Political Views
Equality Issues
In 2003, Díaz filed a lawsuit to stop the expansion of the Harvey Milk School. He argued that the school might not be fair to all students. The lawsuit was settled in 2006. The school agreed to be open to all students and not to discriminate.
In 2007, Díaz opposed a bill that would allow marriage equality. His party, led by Governor Eliot Spitzer, supported the bill. Díaz continued to oppose marriage equality in 2008. He promised to vote against any such law. In May 2009, Díaz led a large rally against marriage equality in New York City. About 20,000 people attended.
In a 2009 article in The New York Times, Díaz said he loved his relatives who were gay and lesbian. However, he also said he did not agree with their actions. His chief counsel, who is openly gay, said Díaz was a "true believer in Christian values" and believed in treating people well.
On December 2, 2009, Díaz voted against the marriage equality bill. The bill did not pass the Senate at that time.
On May 15, 2011, Díaz led another rally against marriage equality in the Bronx. His granddaughter, Erica Diaz, who is openly lesbian, led a protest against him. During his speech, his granddaughter came on stage. Díaz hugged and kissed her, saying, "This is my granddaughter. I love her. I love her. I love her. I respect her decisions. She does what she wants." Erica later said that "You cannot tell someone that you love them and stay silent when people call for their death."
On June 24, 2011, Díaz again voted against allowing marriage equality in New York. This time, the measure passed the Senate by a vote of 33 to 29. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law later that evening.
In 2017, Díaz voted against the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) in committee. This bill aimed to protect transgender rights. He had also voted against GENDA in 2010.
In 2019, Díaz stated that the New York City Council was "controlled by the homosexual community."
Personal Life
Rubén Díaz Sr. and his first wife, Didionilda Díaz (Vega), have three children. One of their sons, Rubén Díaz Jr., is also a politician. He was elected Borough President of the Bronx in April 2009. As of 2015, Díaz is married to Leslie Díaz.
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Rubén Díaz Sr.
