An Irish bar in Sunnyside Queens has reiterated its support of hosting same-sex wedding celebrations, despite opposition from locals on the issue.
Molly Blooms pub on Queens Boulevard raffled off an all inclusive wedding reception for a same-sex couple, to celebrate the legalization of same sex marriage in New York in June. But a New York Times article reports that some local immigrants have mixed views on the issue.
The owner of the popular Irish eatery, Ciaran Staunton told IrishCentral that in his opinion same sex marriage is a civil rights issue.
“It’s about the right of a couple to enjoy their life together, whether they are a bi-sexual, gay, lesbian or otherwise, there should be no difference,” said Staunton, a well known community activist.
The prize offered by Molly Blooms includes a three-hour open bar, food, a D.J., photographer and a horse drawn carriage.
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Larry Yang, a Korean-American who owns the hardware store next door to the Irish pub told the New York Times he is committed to shielding his children from the wedding celebrations.
“If that horse-drawn carriage rides by my store, I will make sure my kids do not see it,” Yang, (45) said. “I am worried about what kind of message gay marriage is sending.”
Staunton, a father of two who lobbied legislators on the same sex marriage bill, admits he is not looking for public approval for his efforts.
“I never poll the community, “ he told IrishCentral.
“I see this as a civil rights issues, the right of the individual to live their life according to the American constitution, including liberty, happiness, freedom and without any kind of discrimination,” he added.
Sunnyside, a popular neighborhood in Queens is a melting pot for immigrants. A former police officer from Turkey, Aliihsan Simcek (63,) reminded the New York Times that Islam regards homosexuality as a sin.
“Here in America, everything is possible,” he told the newspaper. “I am not against gays, just gay marriage. I don’t want to see two guys kissing or two men adopting a child. I’ll never go to this Molly Blooms. What they do behind four walls is their business.”
The lucky winners of Molly Blooms prize were Janice Velten and Patrice Pfirman, who are due to wed on October 1, after spending the past 24-years together.
“They are a wonderful couple, who is anyone to deny this couple the right to be happy?” Staunton said.
When asked what his motive was for running the raffle, the businessman said “this was done pure and simply because it was the right thing to do, to be part of the historic celebrations”.
“I have being involved with this issue for many years and I have never cared what others thought, because if that was the case we would never do anything,” he concluded.
11 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.SteveMD2 | Dec 31, 2011, 03:51 PM EST
yes, thanks to all the commentators here and Molly's for supporting our gay neighbors and friends. It is 4pm here Dec 31 = a happy new year to all , gay str8 bi trangender etc.
stanJames | Sep 22, 2011, 10:55 PM EDT
Yes there are many good catholics. They are simply absent for all practical purposes in the hierarchy. BTW if a priest goes against the vatican or his bosses, he can be excommunicated, or simply fired from his job.............And also lose his pension rights..................the Terrorization is everywhere. This from a former nun who married a former priest, both to get away from the lies, hypocrisy and yes hatred in the church.
antoman | Sep 10, 2011, 06:28 AM EDT
If ye be Irish American was your Irish sense of humour lost in transit? Deleted my comments because you perceive me as anti gay? Get a grip please. I could'nt care less and I certainly don't discriminate against them. Lighten up Francis.
billie061 | Sep 10, 2011, 05:59 AM EDT
I ever make it to N.Y. I will be sure to visit Molly Blooms
EphraimKibbey | Sep 10, 2011, 12:18 AM EDT
In the United States of America we have this piece of paper that guarantees EVERYONE'S right to practice their own religion. That means that the hardware owner has every right to believe as he does and the police office has a right to his beliefs. It does not mean that anyone has ANY say in what anyone else believes, says or does within the law. Other people do not have to stop exercising their right to seek happiness just because someone might find watching it distasteful. As my high school civics teacher said "In America, one man's rights end when they deny the rights of another man." Everyone wants the right to their own religion but so many are so quick here to deny that right to those of other religions and those of no religion. A hearty Slainte to Mr. Staunton for exercising the true spirit of '76 and Best Wishes to all those who commit themselves to loving another person. And to those who hide their own prejudice behind being a "christian" and a church's official "sins," I suggest that they reread their New Testament with closer attention to the way in which Christ taught us to love our neighbors especially the part about throwing stones. If you believe something is a "sin," do not do it but you have no right to hold it against someone who does not share your beliefs. Remember that it was those who claimed to know God's Word that sent Him to the cross.
johnozed | Sep 09, 2011, 11:27 AM EDT
“I am worried about what kind of message gay marriage is sending.” Yes, the message of two adults in a committed relationship, striving for the same rights that are routinely abused by opposite sex couples is definitely something you don't want children to see.
mollymguire | Sep 09, 2011, 11:27 AM EDT
I WISH I could support the pub! I'm way south, so I can't but I admire the courage, appreciate the support of the community. Didn't care much for the "reminder" of what Islam thinks. My take on the former police officer's comment "Go back to your home country if you're so against it!!!" Killing innocent people is a sin too - as in 9/ll Mr. Turkey immigrant... AND I'D NEVER BUY THE FIRST PENNY NAIL FROM THE KOREAN hardware store and mark my words, Mr. I'mgonnahidemychildren, you will see what people think of boycottsw... Kudos to the pub and as a straight person, I agree its a civil issue!
jamieLM | Sep 09, 2011, 10:26 AM EDT
Don't like it, don't go there. I'm sure there are other bars in Queens. I applaud Staunton for standing up for what he believes is right and not allowing himself to be bullied into discrimination because of local opposition. @antoman, only you would think about horses' junk. Maybe they were mares. :)
jackinny | Sep 09, 2011, 10:25 AM EDT
When I saw the initial story before I opened the link I knew it would be Ciaran.I haven't seen him in a while but I know he has always been committed to the right of people to exercise their civil rights whether it be Ireland or America.
GordonsGirl | Sep 09, 2011, 10:19 AM EDT
I'm only sorry that I live in Chicago rather than Sunnyside. Otherwise, I'd be sure to make Molly Bloom's my local. As an American, I pledge to "liberty and justice for all," not just those conservatives and bigots consider socially acceptable. I believe in democracy, not theocracy.
Suivness10 | Sep 09, 2011, 10:10 AM EDT
More power to Staunton, his generosity, and may the couple have a long and happy life together.