US anti-gay rights senator Roy Ashburn comes out
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A conservative US state senator who has voted against gay rights measures during his 14 years in office has announced he is gay.
Senator Ashburn, 55, is a divorced father-of-four
Republican Roy Ashburn came out during a radio interview in California, where he sits on the state legislature.
He has been on leave since his arrest last week on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Mr Ashburn said his votes reflected the way his constituents wanted him to vote, not his own "internal conflict".
"I am gay… those are the words that have been so difficult for me for so long," the 55-year-old divorced father-of-four told KERN radio.
Mr Ashburn said he felt the need to address rumours that he had visited a gay nightclub before his arrest on suspicion of drinking and driving in Sacramento on 3 March.
Last year, Mr Ashburn opposed a bill to establish a day of recognition to honour murdered gay rights activist Harvey Milk.
He has also voted in the statehouse against efforts to expand anti-discrimination laws and recognise out-of-state gay marriages.
Mr Ashburn, who represents California's 18th district, said he does not plan to run for any public office after his term ends later this year.
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The precipitate…
Early Wednesday morning, State Sen. Roy Ashburn (R-Calif.) was pulled over and arrested for drunk driving. Sources report that Ashburn – a fierce opponent of gay rights -- was driving drunk after leaving a gay nightclub; when the officer stopped the state-issued vehicle, there was an unidentified man in the passenger seat of the car.
Ashburn has issued an apology for the incident:
"I am deeply sorry for my actions and offer no excuse for my poor judgment. I accept complete responsibility for my conduct and am prepared to accept the consequences for what I did. I am also truly sorry for the impact this incident will have on those who support and trust me - my family, my constituents, my friends, and my colleagues in the Senate."
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Personally, I just can't wait for the day when people don't have to apologize for being gay.
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Personally, I just can't wait for the day when people don't have to apologize for being gay.
Absolutely.
But Ashburn should apologize for all those hypocritical anti-gay votes he passed.Strike that. No amount of apology could ever be enough.
