DES MOINES, Iowa – A former Republican state senator has announced a new advocacy group to build conservative support for gay marriage in Iowa.
Jeff Angelo of Creston appeared outside the Capitol in Des Moines on Wednesday to announce the launch of Iowa Republicans for Freedom.
According to a media release, the group will “give voice to Iowans who believe that conservative values of smaller government should keep government out of the private lives of all Iowans.”
The event drew only about a dozen people Greene Square Park, but Angelo said many GOP members share the group’s position.
“There are a lot of Republicans who are like me and believe in small government and personal freedom, but were afraid to come out here and say anything,” said Linn County Supervisor Brent Oleson of Marion, according to The Gazette.
Angelo served in the Senate, but did not run for re-election in 2008. His position puts him at odds with many Republicans, who have sought to overturn the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision to legalize gay marriage in 2009.
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This story was update by Josef Molnar with OutSmart Magazine.
