Republican resigns amid gay sex scandal

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • November 1, 2007 - 10:15

Originally, Curtis told police he was the victim of an extortion attempt by Castagna at the posh Davenport Tower hotel on October 26th.

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A Washington state lawmaker who was caught with his pants down earlier this week - figuratively and literally - has resigned.

On Monday Republican State Representative Richard Curtis told a local newspaper, The Columbian, "I have not had sex with a guy," the guy in question being Cody Castagna, a 26-year-old waiter from the Spokane area.

Originally, Curtis told police he was the victim of an extortion attempt by Castagna at the posh Davenport Tower hotel on October 26th.

Police documents released yesterday suggested there was much more to the story, such as Curtis allegedly donning women's clothing, having sex in a local porn store and later paying Castagna for sex in his hotel room.

Curtis, who hasn't spoken publicly since he talked to The Columbian on Monday, released the following statement:

"I submitted my letter of resignation to Governor Gregoire effective immediately.

"While I believe we've done some good and helped a lot of people during the time I served in the legislature, events that have recently come to light have hurt a lot of people.

"I sincerely apologise for any pain my actions may have caused.

"This has been damaging to my family, and I don't want to subject them to any additional pain that might result from carrying out this matter under the scrutiny that comes with holding public office," he added.

Washington House Republican leader Richard DeBolt followed that with a statement of his own.

"I am very disappointed by the news reports of the conduct by Representative Curtis last week in Spokane," DeBolt said.

"After discussing this matter with House Republican leaders, he has submitted his resignation, which we feel is best for everyone involved.

"The troubling details continue to emerge, however, it has become clear that he can no longer effectively represent the constituents who elected him.

"We pray that Richard and his family have the strength and support they need to meet the personal challenges they face."

Elected to the state House of Representatives in 2004, Curtis, who is married and has two daughters, voted in 2005 and 2006 against a bill that granted civil rights protections to gays and lesbians, and in 2007 voted against a bill that created domestic partnerships for same-sex couples.

Both measures eventually passed the Democratic-controlled state Legislature and are now state law.

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