Oregon Public Broadcasting

A small Oregon town is drawing attention in the war over gay rights.  The election this month of Stu Rasmussen to be mayor of Silverton prompted a small protest Monday outside City Hall.   Correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

Four members of a Kansas church held signs denouncing Silverton’s mayor-elect.

 A much larger crowd of counter-protestors held signs in support of Stu Rasmussen.  

But Jonathan Phelps of the anti-gay demonstrators insisted Rasmussen’s supporters had it all wrong.

Jonathan Phelps:  “These folks hate Stu because they will not by any means warn him about the sin that’s taking him to hell.”

Rasmussen is a man who dresses like a woman.

 He also has breast implants.  

He didn’t join in the demonstrations, which included many of his constituents, but watched them from the side.

Stu Rasmussen:  “Is this a great town or what?  I love these people.”

Rasmussen has served in city government in Silverton for nearly 20 years, but only started cross-dressing several years ago.  

He ran for mayor on a slow-growth platform.