Californian Republican Senator Roy Ashburn made headlines when he was arrested for drink driving after leaving a gay club with a male companion in tow.
Mr Ashburn, 55, is known for his staunch anti-gay stance, having voted against every gay rights measure before his state senate, including the creation of a Harvey Milk memorial day, recognition for gay marriages performed in other states and a move to ban insurers who discriminate against gays.
Although the divorced father-of-four acknowledged publicly after his arrest that he had been a closet homosexual, he refused to change his stance towards gay issues.
He told his local radio station, AM 1180 KERN: ‘I am gay. Those are the words that have been so difficult for me for so long.’
But he then went on to say: ‘I felt my duty – and I still feel this way – is to represent my constituents, not my own point of view, not my own internal conflict.’
The San Francisco Chronicle reported that in 2005, Mr Ashburn was heckled at an anti-gay marriage rally by gay rights activists, who shouted: ‘We know you’re one of us, Roy!’
Mr Ashburn continued to deny his sexuality, stating in a press release that year: ‘We need to preserve traditional values for the future of our children.
‘Children must be raised with morals and principles.
‘As a society, we must provide them with a secured and loving environment that allows them to flourish.’
Even in 2009, West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon complained on Facebook that he’d seen Mr Ashburn at gay bars.
Currently Mr Ashburn’s political homepage says: ‘In the tradition of Ronald Reagan, Senator Ashburn is a true reformer and a champion of openness, accountability, and bi-partisanship.’
Nowhere on the website does he mention his sexuality, although he does include the fact that he has four daughters and two grandchildren.
Despite the public admission and damning arrest, Mr Ashburn’s senate colleagues welcomed him back with open arms.
He has stated that he will not seek re-election when his term ends later this year.
Aja Styles
