The formation of a moderate Democratic working group in the U.S. Senate is raising questions about whether the group could obstruct the advancement of pro-LGBT legislation.

Dan Pinello, who's gay and a government professor at the City University of New York, said he doesn't think the group's formation is "a good sign for LGBT rights."

"Anything ... that splinters the Democratic majority, however it happens, is not helpful," he said. "You want the Democratic leaders speaking with one voice, especially when the Republicans seem to be doing that same thing in opposition."