Gay Ambassador Nominee Opposed

Sen. Don Nickles, the Senate’s second-ranking Republican, says a homosexual philanthropist nominated by President Clinton for an ambassadorship is unqualified because anyone who promotes “immoral behavior” should not represent the United States. Nickles’ denunciation of Californian James Hormel on “Fox News Sunday” drew immediate criticism from gay rights groups. “He has promoted that lifestyle and promoted it in a big way, in a way that is very offensive,” said Nickles (R-Okla.). A struggle over Hormel’s nomination for ambassador to Luxembourg has been brewing for months.