FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Kathy Stein couldn’t hold back the tears three years ago, when she broke down on the House floor of the General Assembly during an emotional speech opposing a proposed ban on same-sex marriage.

The controversial state representative from Lexington said at the time she was “ashamed” of the vote, claiming that the ban was politically motivated.

Though her stance hasn’t changed since then, Stein says she won’t revisit the issue when the General Assembly heads back to work, even though her new role as chair of the House Judiciary Committee gives the longtime Democrat the right to put the topic back on the table.

“It would solve nothing,” said Stein. “It would simply inflame the situation as it was before, and that’s to no one’s benefit.”

While Stein says she will try to take a kinder, gentler approach to her job on the judiciary committee, some conservative leaders says they’re worried her liberal viewpoints will clash with the majority of Kentuckians, especially when it comes to abortion. Stein has long been a pro-choice supporter.

Margie Montgomery, executive director of Kentucky Right to Life Association, said Stein’s view on abortion services are “extreme and at odds with the overwhelming majority of Kentucky voters.”

While House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, said he understands the concerns of conservative lobbyists, he’s not worried about any political fallout from Stein’s appointment.

“When you get 100 people, not everybody agrees,” he said. “But this was the work of the Committee on Committees, and it will work well.”

Stein vowed to receive input from conservative groups like the Right to Life Association and views her new position as an impartial one.

“[I am] no longer a passionate advocate,” Stein said. “Their fears need to be assuaged somewhat. I hate this cliché, but I have a different hat now.”

Still, the gay-rights group Kentucky Fairness Alliance expects Stein to continue to support legislation that protects gays and lesbians against discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation. Stein has served as the lead sponsor on a proposed gay-rights bill since 2000.

“We have total confidence that she’ll continue to be a committed ally to fair-minded Kentuckians,” said alliance executive director Christina Gilgor.