'Boycotting me for a discussion?' Gay hotelier responds to 'gay extremists' protest over Ted Cruz meeting

Gay hotel owners met with Senator Ted Cruz to discuss LGBT issues.

After hosting a discussion with the conservative presidential candidate Ted Cruz in his home, gay hotelier Mati Weiderpass suffered from boycotts among "gay extremists."

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - After the controversial meeting, the OUT Hotel faced boycott initiated by anti-Ted Cruz protesters demonstrating outside the building. Initially posting an apology for hosting Sen. Cruz, Weiderpass has now written an op-ed firing back at the extremists.

Entitled "Gay Extremists Must Not Silence Those Who Support Discussion and Dialogue," Weiderpass expressed that "being gay is not a political affiliation," according to Observer.com.

According to the hotelier, there are necessary discussions to be held with those opposing views in the achievement of progress. He wrote that he believes there is nothing wrong with what he and business partner, Ian Reisner, had done, because Cruz is an elected public official, different from a fundraiser or an endorsement against the LGBT.

"While Senator Cruz's positions on LGBT issues are considered extreme in New York, the reality is that the LGBT Community has achieved enormous progress politically in just the last five years," wrote Weiderpass.

He cited the repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT) and the New York same-sex marriage approval, achieved through meetings and dialogues with opponents and supporters alike, facilitated by organizations.

"Should we not have met with opponents during that period?" Weiderpass asked. The hotelier explained that he did not organize the meeting, but rather grabbed the opportunity to discuss gay rights, as well as the support for Israel.

The co-owner of the OUT hotel also stated that the disrespect for free speech, expression and association will directly negatively affect minorities, including the LGBT community.

"I do not understand, nor do I accept the voices who have organized against me because I spoke to a United States Senator," he added.

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