GenQ - For the not so straight individual

The Episcopal Church's first openly gay bishop has thrown his endorsement into the ring for Democrat Presidential candidate-hopeful Senator Barack Obama.

Though Obama's backing of the gay community is not absolute, V. Gene Robinson is pleased that he has shown drive in the past to push forward gay rights. In a conference call with reporters, Robinson stated: ''Frankly, I don't think there's any major candidate that is where we in the gay community would hope they would be on our issues. That being said, I would say the senator has been enormously supportive of our issues. We appreciate his support for civil unions.''

While he claims that he will not be campaigning from the pulpit, as he states that it is highly inappropriate to do so, Robinson has pledged to campaign heavily for Obama in his personal time. He stresses the point that his endorsement of Obama for President is not as a bishop, but as an individual.

Obama's support of rights and civil unions for same-sex couples is much praised through much of the gay community, but stops short of supporting gay marriage. Through his campaigning, Robinson is hopeful that he will be able to sway Obama toward promoting gay marriage itself.

Robinson's contoversial election as bishop of New Hampshire has shaken the worldwide Anglican Communion and has earned him the praise of role model and civil rights pioneer.