Queer Rising and Marriage Equality New York are planning to protest a fundraiser Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson is headlining tomorrow for Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr., the outspoken Bronx lawmaker they have made a “key target of a unified LGBTQ effort” to oust “no” voters on gay marriage.

From the groups’ joint press release:

“We invite you all to join us at ‘The Sampson & Diaz Bigot Gala’ paparazzi protest. Unite with us in the name of full LGBTQ Equality by becoming a paparazzo.”

“It’s time to give these haters their photo-op and to shame them for their despicable anti-LGBTQ actions and voting history. Bring a camera, a sign and be prepared to show Senators Sampson, Diaz and all attendees that bigotry is never to be supported.”

Sampson is having a tough week where the LGBT community is concerned, starting with a tense meeting with Stonewall Democratic Club members at Junior’s Cheesecake in Brooklyn last Saturday at which he was sharply criticized for supporting anti-marriage Democrats like Diaz Sr. and also for refusing to promise to bring the measure back to the floor for a vote.

Members of the Democratic conference have voiced support for Sampson’s approach on this controversial issue, and ESPA Executive Director Ross Levi told me earlier this week that his organization has a “good working relationship” with Sampson and suggested talk of “timelines and commitments” deflects attention from the push to elect pro-gay marriage senators.

However, it’s clear that a certain segment of the LGBT community feels it’s necessary to take a less pragmatic approach in dealing with Sampson and the Senate Democrats.

That shouldn’t come as any surprise, since the split over how best to maneuver in hopes of getting the Senate to finally pass the marriage bill has been going on for some time.

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