US governor quits over gay affair

McGreevey asked forgiveness from his wife Dina

The governor of the US state of New Jersey has announced his resignation, admitting that he had an extramarital affair with a man.

"My truth is that I am a gay American," Democrat James McGreevey, 47, told a packed news conference.

He said his actions had left the governor's office vulnerable. He will leave his post on 15 November.

Mr McGreevey, a Catholic, asked forgiveness from his wife, who stood beside him during the announcement.

"It was wrong. It was foolish. It was inexcusable. And for this, I ask the forgiveness and the grace of my wife," he said.

'Certain sense'

"Given the circumstances surrounding the affair, and its likely impact upon my family and my ability to govern, I have decided the right course of action is to resign."

He said he had struggled with his identity since adolescence but had always acknowledged "a certain sense that separated me from others".

Mr McGreevey's announcement came on the same day that the state of California annulled 4,000 gay marriages which took place in San Francisco earlier this year.

New Jersey is one of four US states currently attempting to make gay marriage legal through the courts.

Mr McGreevey's own position on gay marriage has not been clear: he refused to endorse a ceremony performed in the state in March on the grounds that it was against the current state law.

But earlier in the year he signed a domestic partnership law granting inheritance and other rights to same-sex couples.

Mr McGreevey took office two-and-a-half years ago but has seen his ratings slip following a series of fundraising scandals involving associates.

He will be succeeded by state senate president Richard Codey.