GOP Congressman Aaron Schock of Illinois, the subject of
persistent gay rumors since he took office in 2009, said on Thursday that questions about his sexual orientation and how it might relate to his antigay voting record and positions are “inappropriate and ridiculous” and not “worthy of further response.” He also stated, “I’ve said that before,” when asked if he is confirming that he is not gay, and added, “You can look it up.”
Schock had in fact
stated to Details magazine in 2009 that he is not gay, in a lengthy piece which noted that he is unmarried and had been the subject of rumors as far back as 2004, when he was asked the question by a Chicago newspaper.
The rumors, however, have only surfaced again and again since 2009, such as when Schock
wore a flamboyant outfit -- which included white jeans, a hot pink gingham shirt and a teal belt -- to the White House picnic in June of 2010, immediately reigniting
widespread Internet
speculation and
discussion about his
sexual orientation. (After the online frenzy, Schock tweeted that he had
“burned the belt.”)
The
rumors blew up again when Schock posed shirtless on the
cover of Men’s Healthin May of 2011, showing off his well-defined abs, as well as being photographed in various poses inside the magazine, promoting health and fitness. And it didn’t help quell the rumors when, last week in Tampa, Fla., while he was attending the Republican National Convention,
TMZ descended upon Schock as he was walking through the gay neighborhood of the city, complete with
rainbow flags in the background as well as stores selling skimpy men’s underwear and what some have said is a
local gay bathhouse.
TMZ.com reported that Schock
was exiting a Chuck Todd-sponsored event for youth when its interviewer caught up with Schock to ask if he had fashion advice for fit and trim Paul Ryan, who has
been criticized by style experts for wearing suits that are too baggy. “I think Paul's in great shape,” Schock told TMZ. “I think a little bit of leaner attire to help accentuate that physique he works so hard to, you know, maintain.”
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