For Immediate Release: May 27, 1998
Further information: Ann Scanlon (617) 514-1662
Subject of Essay: New York City Councilman Sal Albanese
by Hani Sarji
Xavier High School, New York, NY
People today blame politicians for many things. People are programmed to dislike politicians, yet by doing so they fail to see some of the greatest acts of courage because not all politicians are self-serving, which is how the stereotype goes. A good example of a courageous politician who was not self-serving is Sal Albanese who was New York's City Councilman for fifteen years from 1982 until his mayoral race in 1997. During this time, he earned the reputation of independence and integrity. He always stood by what he believed in despite the number of opponents against him. For example, Councilman Albanese supported two laws which put limits on the sale and distribution of cigarettes. His opposition was the well financed tobacco industry. Even more amazing was his support for Intro 2, a bill to forbid discrimination against homosexuals in employment, housing, and public accommodations. By supporting this bill, he put his career on the line. Albanese had nothing to gain by supporting this bill, but he did so because he believed in human rights. Albanese voted for Intro 2 despite vehement criticism and opposition. By doing this selfless act, he helped guarantee the rights of numerous New York citizens. New York would not be the same today if it wasn't for that bill. Albanese was one of the many who helped New York become more American.
Unlike today, homosexuality was not accepted in New York in 1986. At that time, people were discriminated because of their sexual orientation. By 1986 there was a code in New York which forbade discrimination on the basis of race, religion, and sex, but there was none for sexual orientation. Every year for fifteen years, prior to 1986, a bill for homosexual rights came up before New York's City Council which they rejected. Due to efforts from politicians such as Albanese, Intro 2 was passed in 1986. It was the first time since 1974 that such a bill was passed. This victory did not come easy because the bill was extremely controversial. The politicians who supported the bill took a lot of heat.
Sal Albanese was a thirty-six year old City Councilman in 1986 with two young daughters, and he was a regular churchgoer. He showed great political courage when he supported the bill because the church was against it, and because the sections of New York which he represented were primarily conservative. He showed courage is standing for the minority who were ridiculed for what they practiced in private. Political courage is when a politician makes a choice which is good for the country but which endangers his or her political career. It is shown by those who at risk to themselves, their futures, even their family, stood fast for a principle. Albanese was going to be one of the influential votes on Intro 2, and he was rumored to be favoring the bill. This caused many problems for him because people tried to influence his decision and make him vote against he bill.
Councilman Albanese suffered a lot of criticism for his support of the bill, but he had nothing to gain from supporting it other than the fact that he was helping people get the right they deserve. One day while Albanese was in church, an usher bent down and begged him to vote against the bill. The people in his parish shunned him and his family, and they circulated leaflets vilifying him. His own house was picketed. The picketers were shouting, "Death to Albanese," and his family was in danger so he had to send his daughters to his relatives. Councilman Albanese even received bomb threats at his office. His neighbors did not tell him the customary "good morning," they tried to change Albanese's mind, but he stuck firm to his opinion. When the time came to make his vote, he voted for the bill.
Councilman Albanese put his career on the line because he believed in human rights. He believed in something, and he did not back down despite reports that he would lose votes in conservative Bay Ridge. Albanese helped make New York more American by protecting the rights of citizens to choose their sexual orientation. It is a shame that Albanese is almost forgotten today. People have focused on his loss to Mayor Giuliani rather than on his achievements as a councilman. This shows that people today choose to overlook the truly remarkable accomplishments of politicians. People do not fully understand all the risks and the courage it takes to make a controversial decision.
Bibliography:
Daley, Suzanne. "Council Panel Approves Homosexual Right Bill." New York Times, March 12, 1986. p. B3
Furnick, Joyce. "Homosexual Rights Bill Is Passed by City Council in 21-to-14 vote." New York Times, March 22, 1996. p. B3
Goldstein, Richard. "Sal Albanese: Rebel with a Cause." Village Voice, April 8, 1986. p.31.