(Calif. state Sen.) Ashburn: 'No longer willing or able to remain silent' on gay issues

Source: Sacramento Bee

Calling same-sex marriage a "very complicated issue" for himself, Sen. Roy Ashburn spoke on the floor today about legislation impacting the gay community for the first time since revealing his own sexual orientation in March.

... "On a personal note, before I speak to the bill, I would not have been speaking on a measure dealing with sexual orientation ever, prior to the events that have transpired in my life over the last three months," Ashburn said. "However, I am no longer willing or able to remain silent on issues that affect sexual orientation, the rights of individuals and so I'm doing something that is quite different and foreign to me."

Ashburn, who has consistently voted against gay-rights measures in the past, came out in March after rumors swirled that he was at a gay night club the night he was arrested for drunken driving.

... Later in the session, Ashburn voted to support another measure asking the federal government to dump the "don't ask, don't tell" policy for gays in the military.

Ashburn, who voted against a similar bill in the past, said the current policy is "clearly out of date and discriminatory."

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/capitolalertlatest/2010/05/ashburn-no-long.html

It sure seemed to make this guy wake up.

It's good to see one of these people get clear.

Now, what do you propose to do for all the damage you've caused in the past, Mr. Ashburn?

we're so close to two thirds that even one Republican makes a big difference.

not to mention hosting a fundraiser for Prop H8. :grr:

...he hosted a fundraiser....?!? :wtf:
that is profoundly fucked up, imo.

jmo, but he seems to owe california's glbt-s an apology, for his part in raising money to pass that filth.

He's one of my district representatives and he rated in the high 90% in approval from the American Family Institute because of his anti-gay stand before he was outed.

...that the american family institute endorses hatred of a group, as a value. :puke:

should be welcomed with open arms. I understand the anger over their past actions, but a welcoming stance can give people like Rekers and Larry Craig a way out. While I am not excusing their actions, they suffer as much as any other closeted person. The way to make amends with themselves and others should always be open.

against gay rights.