DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A former Republican state senator plans to announce a new advocacy group to build conservative support for gay marriage in Iowa. Jeff Angelo of Creston is expected to appear outside the Capitol in Des Moines on Wednesday to launch Iowa Republicans for Freedom.

He’ll make stops at Green Square Park in Cedar Rapids and at the Davenport Public Library on Thursday.

According to a media release, the group will “give voice to Iowans who believe that conservative values of smaller government should keep government out of the private lives of all Iowans.”

Angelo served in the Senate, but did not run for re-election in 2008. His position puts him at odds with many Republicans, who have sought to overturn the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision to legalize gay marriage in 2009.