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Page last updated at 23:35 GMT, Monday, 8 March 2010

US anti-gay rights senator Roy Ashburn comes out

Senator Roy Ashburn in his booking photo (Sacramento County Sheriff)
Senator Ashburn, 55, is a divorced father-of-four

A conservative US state senator who has voted against gay rights measures during his 14 years in office has announced he is gay.

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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FROM OTHER NEWS SITES
News24.com Anti-gay US senator is gay - 19 hrs ago
Los Angeles Times State Sen. Roy Ashburn says he's homosexual - 23 hrs ago
Arab News California state senator says he's gay - 31 hrs ago
Telegraph California state senator who opposed gay rights comes out - 33 hrs ago
Chicago Tribune Despite Being Gay, Senator Defends Voting Down Equal Rights Measures - 35 hrs ago


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