New York socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani said during Wednesday night’s debate that his political beliefs are rooted in believing that human rights extend to queer and trans individuals, including “queer and trans Ugandans,” specifically.

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) set up Mamdani for the remark by stating that Mamdani has been a “divisive force in New York” and a “toxic energy for New York.”

“It’s with the Jewish community. It’s with the Italian-American community when you give the Columbus statue the finger. It’s with the Sunni Muslims when you say ‘decriminalize prostitution,’ which is haram. It’s the Hindus,” Cuomo said, calling out Mamdani for taking a picture with Ugandan official Rebecca Kadaga, who has pushed what has been described as “anti-LGBT policies.”

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