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California State Senator Roy Ashburn Comes Out And Admists “I’m Gay”

Posted by: Bridgette P. LaVictoire on March 8, 2010.

03/08/10-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
California State Senator Roy Ashburn has confirmed what many people already suspected- that he is gay. “I’m gay. Those are the words that have been so difficult for me for so long,” Ashburn stated in a radio interview on Monday. He has also stated that his push to end marriage equality in California was due to the desires of his constituents and not his own personal views.

State Senator Ashburn was arrested for driving under the influence last week while leaving a renowned gay club Faces. At the time, he issued this statement:

“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.”

Ashburn is one in a long string of Republican and Democratic politicians who have been, metaphorically and literally, caught with their pants down over their own sexuality. While, today, two politicians- Representatives Tammy Baldwin and Jared Polis, were elected well after they came out of the closet, Representative Barney Frank did not come out until scandal forced him out in the late 1980′s. Recent years have seen scandal unfold over the issue of a person’s sexuality with the disclosure of the sexual orientation of Senator Larry Craig, and Representative Mark Foley. The scandal surrounding New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey over a sexual harassment charge resulted in not only his resignation, but the public disclosure that he is gay.

Roy Ashburn: ‘I’m Gay’
Roy Ashburn ARRESTED: Anti-Gay State Sen. Got DUI After Leaving Gay Nightclub, Sources Say