At New York reception, Cruz reportedly strikes a conciliatory tone toward gays
NEW YORK — Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican presidential candidate, has positioned himself as a strong opponent to samesex marriage, urging pastors nationwide to preach in support of marriage as an institution between a man and a woman, which he said was “ordained by God.”
But on Monday night, at a reception for him at the Manhattan apartment of two prominent gay hoteliers, the Texas senator struck quite a different tone.
During the gathering, according to two attendees, Cruz said he would have no problem if one of his daughters was gay.
He did not mention his opposition to same-sex marriage, saying only that marriage should be left to the states.
The dinner and “fireside chat” for about a dozen people with Cruz and his wife, Heidi, was at the Central Park South penthouse of Mati Weiderpass and Ian Reisner, longtime business partners who were once a couple and who have been pioneers in the gay hospitality industry.
“Ted Cruz said, ‘If one of my daughters was gay, I would love them just as much,’” recalled Reisner, a same-sex marriage proponent who described himself as simply an attendee at Weiderpass’ event.
Reisner and Kalman Sporn, who advises Cruz’s Middle East team and served as the moderator for the evening, said that the senator told the group that marriage should be left up to the states.
The evening focused primarily on foreign policy, including a discussion of gay rights in Israel versus the rest of the Middle East region, and opposition to President Barack Obama.
An aide to Cruz, reached Thursday, reiterated that the senator is opposed to same-sex marriage.
Cruz also told the group that businessman Peter Thiel, a gay investor, is a close friend of his, Sporn said. Thiel has been a generous contributor to Cruz’s campaigns.
The hosts of the event are strong supporters of Israel.
“Ted Cruz was on point on every issue that has to do with national security,” Reisner said.