Gay Hoteliers in New York Play Host to Ted Cruz

Senator Ted Cruz, the Republican presidential candidate, doesn't pull his punches on same-sex marriage: He's stridently opposed.

He supported anti-LGBT legislation in Indiana, he said gay people have launched a "jihad" against christians, and he's asked ministers to ask congregations to pray against Supreme Court finding a right to equal marriage.

But hoteliers Mati Weiderpass (pictured right) and Ian Reisner (left) didn't seem to mind much when the gay business partners hosted a Wednesday night dinner for Cruz. About a dozen people attended the dinner and "fireside chat," according to The New York Times. The men were suitable hosts for Cruz despite his not sanctioning a marriage between the two--if they were still romantic partners (they are not now).

From The Times:

Mr. Reisner recently bought a commercial strip along the Fire Island Pines, which has been a mecca for gay vacationers for decades. He is also the face of Out NYC, a hotel near Times Square that caters primarily to a gay audience, including offering itself as a wedding destination. He and Mr. Weiderpass are partners at Parkview Developers.

Mr. Reisner, asked about the possible dissonance between his gay activism and being at an event for Mr. Cruz, said he did not agree with the senator on social issues. Same-sex marriage, he said, "is done -- it's just going to happen."

The piece also describes Reisner and Weiderpass as "generous donors" to state's Empire State Pride Agenda, and Manhattan's LGBT Center.

Cruz told the dinner guests that gay businessman Peter Thiel is a good friend and has contributed to Cruz's campaigns. Foreign policy was the topic of the night, but the next day an aide to Cruz told the Times that the senator still opposes same-sex marriage.