By Edward Epstein, CQ Staff

Apparently fearing a divisive debate, Speaker Nancy Pelosi turned an ungloved thumb down on letting the House vote on a resolution honoring the late pop star Michael Jackson.

“I don’t think it’s necessary for us to have a resolution,” Pelosi told reporters Thursday, adding that it “would open up to contrary views ... that are not necessary at this time.”

Her opposition all but dooms any effort to bring a Jackson resolution to a vote.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee , D-Texas, introduced the lengthy resolution (H Res 600) saluting Jackson for his music and his many humanitarian activities. She appeared at Jackson’s televised funeral in Los Angeles on Tuesday and held up a framed copy of it, saying it would be voted on soon. But so far, she has only one co-sponsor, Rep. Diane Watson , D-Calif.

Since his death, a number of members have made no secret of their disdain for Jackson and would likely object to a resolution in his honor. Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., for one referred to Jackson as a “pervert,” in part because of allegations of child molestation for which Jackson was acquitted.

Democratic sources said Pelosi fears that if the resolution came to the floor, it might either lose or attract a large number of no votes or abstentions, which would distract from the resolution’s goal of honoring Jackson.

Pelosi reiterated that members are free to honor Jackson in the House without a resolution.

“What I have said to my colleagues over the years, and certainly as leader and as speaker, is that there’s an opportunity on the floor of the House to express their sympathy or their praise any time that they want,” she said.

That happened shortly after Jackson’s death when several African-American members led the House in a moment of silence for the entertainer.