he Democratic leader in the Iowa Senate is becoming a bit of a worldwide celebrity as people around the globe listen to his speech on marriage equity.

Video of Sen. Mike Gronstal’s speech Monday had attracted over 65,000 hits on YouTube as of Wednesday afternoon. It was the 10th most viewed YouTube video worldwide, edging out “SpongeBob Burger King” and highlights from the Michigan State vs. North Carolina men’s college basketball championship game. It was still behind a video of Eminem with a Sarah Palin look-alike, though.

Staff said e-mails from around the world have arrived at the Statehouse to thank Gronstal, who some bloggers have hailed as a “hero.” BBC Radio interviewed him Wednesday.

“He is a cult hero as it relates to this change,” said Sen. Matt McCoy, a Democrat who is openly gay. “He’s Iowa’s own version of Harvey Milk. He’s instilling hope and pride and happiness in a community that’s been out wandering in the desert for a long time.”

On Monday, Gronstal told fellow senators he will not bring up legislation this session that would help reverse the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision to legalize gay marriage – and explained why. Gronstal can single-handedly block debate of legislation in the Senate.

Meanwhile, a speech by Senate Republican leader Paul McKinley of Chariton, calling for Gronstal to stop obstructing Iowans’ chance to vote on gay marriage, had racked up only about 700 hits on YouTube.

 See Gronstal marriage speech is a big draw on youtube DesMoinesRegister.com

he Democratic leader in the Iowa Senate is becoming a bit of a worldwide celebrity as people around the globe listen to his speech on marriage equity.

Video of Sen. Mike Gronstal’s speech Monday had attracted over 65,000 hits on YouTube as of Wednesday afternoon. It was the 10th most viewed YouTube video worldwide, edging out “SpongeBob Burger King” and highlights from the Michigan State vs. North Carolina men’s college basketball championship game. It was still behind a video of Eminem with a Sarah Palin look-alike, though.

Staff said e-mails from around the world have arrived at the Statehouse to thank Gronstal, who some bloggers have hailed as a “hero.” BBC Radio interviewed him Wednesday.

“He is a cult hero as it relates to this change,” said Sen. Matt McCoy, a Democrat who is openly gay. “He’s Iowa’s own version of Harvey Milk. He’s instilling hope and pride and happiness in a community that’s been out wandering in the desert for a long time.”

On Monday, Gronstal told fellow senators he will not bring up legislation this session that would help reverse the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision to legalize gay marriage – and explained why. Gronstal can single-handedly block debate of legislation in the Senate.

Meanwhile, a speech by Senate Republican leader Paul McKinley of Chariton, calling for Gronstal to stop obstructing Iowans’ chance to vote on gay marriage, had racked up only about 700 hits on YouTube.

 See Gronstal marriage speech is a big draw on youtube DesMoinesRegister.com