Senator Ashburn

Roy Ashburn, a Republican senator in California who has voted against a number of pro-gay bills, has come out as gay.

Ashburn, a 55-year-old divorced father, voted against bills which would officially recognise Harvey Milk, increase anti-discrimination laws, and recognise out-of-state gay unions.

He told KERN radio:
"I am gay... those are the words that have been so difficult for me for so long."

He subsequently explained his voting record by saying that he wanted to reflect what the voters wanted, rather than his own beliefs.

Mr Ashburn has been on leave since he was arrested for a drink driving offence last week.