New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey resigned his office effective November 15th during a press conference in which he declared he was gay and had violated his marriage vows. CNN reports:
With his wife standing quietly by his side, McGreevey spoke in calm tones as he described his struggle with his sexuality, "a certain sense that separated me from others." It was something that he said began as a child."At a point in every person's life, one has to look deeply into the mirror of one one's soul and decide one's unique truth in the world, not as we may want to see it or hope to see it, but as it is," McGreevey, a Democrat, said.
"And so, my truth is that I am a gay American," McGreevey said.
Liz and I watched the press conference and could not have been more amazed at the Governor's heartfelt and very personal statement.
It appears there is some type of lawsuit against the governor that forced his admission. What the lawsuit contains is unclear. However, media reports suggest it involves sexual harassment charges. In that case, the governor took the right action in resigning his office. It was a rare example of a politician taking responsibility for his actions.
The other side of the issue is this: it is highly unlikely that had the governor had a heterosexual affair that he would have been forced from office (depending on the circumstances). There is a sad double standard at work.
