Anti-gay senator arrested after visiting gay club
An anti-gay California senator was arrested last week on suspicion of drunk driving after visiting a gay bar.
Roy Ashburn, who represents areas of southern and central California, was arrested on Wednesday evening after police saw him driving erratically.
The divorced senator, who has a history of opposing gay rights, had been at a gay bar called Faces and had a man in his car when he was stopped.
CBS13 reports that Ashburn was pulled over at 2am after a police officer noticed a black Chevy Tahoe swerving through streets in mid-town Sacramento.
He was breathalysed and charged with driving under the influence and driving with a blood alcohol level higher than .08 per cent.
His passenger was not arrested, while Ashburn was booked into Sacramento County Jail and released on bail.
On Wednesday afternoon, Ashburn released the following 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.”
Records show that Ashburn has voted against every gay rights measure in the state Senate since taking office, including the Harvey Milk memorial day, recognising marriages performed in other states and a measure to ban insurers discriminating against gays.