Calif state senator says he's gay after DUI arrest

By ROBIN HINDERY Associated Press Writer

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Republican state Sen. Roy Ashburn of Bakersfield says he is gay.

The conservative lawmaker came out Monday on KERN radio in Bakersfield, saying he felt compelled to address rumors that he had visited a gay nightclub near the Capitol before his arrest last week for driving under the influence.

The 55-year-old father of four says he broke the law, putting people at risk, so he owes the public an explanation.

Ashburn has consistently voted against gay rights measures since he was elected to the state Assembly in 1996.

He has said those votes reflected the way constituents in his district wanted him to vote.