By Jill Colvin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
DOWNTOWN — Mayor Michael Bloomberg vowed to stand with the gay community Monday night after a series of horrific hate crimes in New York in the past few weeks.
"When one New Yorker is attacked because of who they are or who they love, the fabric that binds us together is torn," Bloomberg said. "And that’s why these attacks are attacks on us all — and why they can never, ever be allowed. Especially when it comes to our kids.
Speaking at the 30th Annual Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays New York City Awards Dinner on Monday night, Bloomberg addressed the many parents in the crowd, not just as the mayor, but as the father of two daughters.
He said he wished the parents in the room the same thing he wished for every parent: "the joy of seeing your son or daughter fall in love, the happiness of walking your son or daughter down the aisle on the biggest day of their lives."
"Government," he continued, "should not be in the business of telling anyone whom he or she can or cannot love. And I will fight with you to make that a reality."
He also said he'd fight to keep gay New Yorkers safer after the shocking crimes that have captured headlines this week.
Last week, a man was allegedly beaten and robbed in the bathroom of the Stonewall Inn, in Greenwich Village, while a three men in Chelsea were allegedly beaten after being seen on the street kissing. In the Bronx, a gang is accused of torturing three men because they were gay.
"We all know the recent rash of terrible, homophobic incidents — here in our city, and all over our country — has caused you to hold your children a little tighter," he said.
"We believe in you. We want you here. We will do everything to keep you safe."
The mayor said the city stood in solidarity with those who have been attacked.
"Let me be clear, these incidents are completely unacceptable," Bloomberg said.
Echoing his famous Governors Island speech at the height of the uproar surrounding the Park 51 Islamic community center near Ground Zero, Bloomberg again called the city's openness and diversity its greatest strength.
"There are moments when that is challenged, and some argue for closing, rather than opening doors — for closing, rather than opening our hearts. But I am confident that will never happen," he said.
Following his remarks, Morningside Heights resident Suzy Lowinger, 70, a volunteer with the organization, said that having mayor's support means a great deal to those in the room.
"Having the mayor make a speech like that, where he's very clear about his views, is so important for us," she said, smiling.
