The Clinton Administration has accused several Republican Senators of obstructing the nomination of James Hormel for a position as U.S. Ambassador of Luxembourg because he is gay.
Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) said Senators Time Hutchinson (R-AR), James Inhofe (R-OK), and Bob Smith (R-NH), along with other anonymous individuals, have placed open “holds” on Hormel’s nomination, preventing an up or down Senate vote.
Sen. Smith stated that Hormel’s political activism for gay rights, and not his sexual orientation, is what he opposes. “This is a matter of advocacy of the gay lifestyle,” he said.
White House spokesman Barry Toiv said “There’s only one reason he’s being held up and that is the fact that he’s gay …. he deserves an up or down vote.”
