Roy Ashburn Admits He is Gay

The California state senator who was arrested for driving while intoxicated after a night at a gay bar announced Monday that he is gay.

Roy Ashburn, who has had a decidedly antigay voting record, made the announcement on KERN radio. Ashburn, a Republican from Bakersfield, said his votes were a reflection of his conservative district.

"I'm gay," he said. "Those are the words that have been so difficult for me for so long."

Ashburn had voted against bills on such issues as the statewide Harvey Milk Day and gay marriage, and had even hosted an anti-gay marriage rally.

At the time of his arrest, Ashburn was driving a state-owned vehicle.