Some Gays Refuse To Support Stevens In Monomi House Race

First openly-gay congressman not winning over all homosexual voters

TREETON, MON--Congressman Rill Stevens (CNS), the first-openly gay member of Congress, has drawn admiration from some in the gay community over the last three decades he's been in public office.

But now he's drawing ire from many of his fellow homosexuals. Stevens is vying for the Senate, running against incumbent Sen. Hanna Gorbachy (NAT). But today, a group of Monomi homosexuals announced they are supporting Gorbachy, even though Stevens shares their sexual orientation.

"We cannot support Congressman Stevens because, while he is gay, he does not support equal rights for gay Grassadellans," Eric Cannon, President of Pride Alliance, the nation's largest pro-homosexual-rights group, said.

Stevens has been open about his sexual preference since 1992, when he first came out publicly. Since then, he has actively stood up for homosexual rights in the National Assembly; introducing dozens of bills, including hate-crime, anti-discrimination, and property rights legislation.

But Stevens has come under fire from gay-rights groups because, while he is gay, he opposes legalizing gay marriage. He does support civil unions and legal rights for gay couples, however.

In an interview back in July 2008, Stevens told GNN's Marie Watson he opposes legalizing gay marriage "for a number of reasons, but primarily because the Grassadellan people, collectively, do not support it."

Stevens' campaign expanded on those remarks yesterday.

"Congressman Stevens opposes gay marriage because the majority of Grassadellans don't support legalizing it. The latest poll, back in August 2008, shows 58% of Grassadellans opposed to legalizing gay marriage, and Congressman Stevens does not believe he should go against the people on this issue," Mary Stegen, campaign spokeswoman, said.

Critics say Stevens is opposed simply because of political reasons. He is a member of the conservative party, which officially opposes same-sex marriage, and he represents a conservative congressional district that covers the northern suburbs of Treeton.

"I think the real reason Rill Stevens is opposed to gay marriage is because his party doesn't support it and if he did support it, he would be going against the party," Political Scientist Todd Atham, of the University of Monomi told GNN.

Stevens denies party pressure is the reason he opposes the issue. His campaign also points out that while he has not supported same-sex marriage, he has consistently advocated for homosexuals.

"Congressman Stevens has always stood up for the gay and lesbian community in Monomi and across the country. They are his brothers and sisters. He will always stand up for them," Stegen said.

Gorbachy's campaign did not comment on Stevens' record, but welcomed the endorsement from the Pride Alliance.

"Senator Gorbachy has consistently fought for gay and lesbians in our state and whole-heartedly supports same-sex marriage and equality," spokeswoman Marra Thomson said.

Stevens himself has been mum lately on the issue. When questioned by reporters last week, he refused comment.

Earlier this year, in May, Stevens celebrated his 19th anniversary with his life-partner, Jay Goldberg. The two reside at their home in Monoatchu, Monomi.