NY GOP gov hopeful Paladino says he'd hire gays

[October 11, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino says he does not discriminate against gays in his business or personal life, but opposes gay marriage.

He also says children shouldn't be exposed to gay culture, singling out pride parades with a description of marchers wearing "Speedos and grinding against each other." Paladino says he thinks that's disgusting.

He made the remarks Monday on NBC's "Today" show.

Paladino says he would have no problem hiring gays in his administration. Mentioning his gay nephew, Paladino says the discrimination he and others face is a "very ugly experience."

His comments came a day after he told Orthodox Jewish leaders he doesn't want children "brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality" is acceptable.

[Associated Press]

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