CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A Latino delegate to the Democratic National Convention says he fears that support for same-sex marriage by President Barack Obama and the party's platform could spell defeat in November.
New York City Councilman and pastor Fernando Cabrera says other ministers who head minority churches have told him that their congregants who normally vote Democratic feel morally conflicted and may sit out this election.
Cabrera says he loves the Democratic Party and considers it the party of the poor and middle class. But he notes that ballot issues in more than 30 states — including the convention host, North Carolina — have shown that the majority of Americans oppose same-sex marriage.
The Democratic platform supports gay marriage but expresses support for "the freedom of churches and religious entities to decide how to administer marriage as a religious sacrament without government interference."
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%@AP Links
261-a-10-(New York City Councilman and pastor Fernando Cabrera, a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, in AP interview)-"for traditional marriage"-New York City Councilman and pastor Fernando Cabrera, a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, says Americans have consistently voted against same-sex marriage. (4 Sep 2012)
<<CUT *261 (09/04/12)>> 00:10 "for traditional marriage"
259-a-11-(New York City Councilman and pastor Fernando Cabrera, a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, in AP interview)-"own religious convictions"-New York City Councilman and pastor Fernando Cabrera, a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, says Christian minorities may now believe it's wrong to vote for Democrats. (4 Sep 2012)
<<CUT *259 (09/04/12)>> 00:11 "own religious convictions"
260-a-08-(New York City Councilman and pastor Fernando Cabrera, a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, in AP interview)-"defeat in November"-New York City Councilman and pastor Fernando Cabrera, a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, says he's always been a Democrat. (4 Sep 2012)
<<CUT *260 (09/04/12)>> 00:08 "defeat in November"
257-a-11-(New York City Councilman and pastor Fernando Cabrera, a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, in AP interview)-"such a chance"-New York City Councilman and pastor Fernando Cabrera, a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, says the president and party's support for same-sex marriage will cost minority votes. (4 Sep 2012)
<<CUT *257 (09/04/12)>> 00:11 "such a chance"
