Rumors that Illinois Representative
Aaron Schock is gay reignited last week after the Republican
discussed Paul Ryan's physique in a gay neighborhood in Tampa during
the Republican National Convention, but Schock has refused say
whether such rumors are true.
The 31-year-old Schock in 2004 was
asked by a Chicago newspaper whether he's gay. He told Details
magazine in 2009 that he's not.
Last year, the rumors returned when he
appeared on the June cover of Men's Health Magazine showing
off his six pack abs.
Schock is strongly opposed to gay
rights. He voted against repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” and
gay-inclusive hate crimes legislation, and he objects to marriage
equality.
In the video produced by TMZ.com,
Schock is seen strolling past several stores selling gay-related
paraphernalia such as rainbow flags and vanity underwear as he
discusses Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan's physique.
“I think Paul's in great shape. I
think a little bit of leaner attire to help accentuate that physique
he works so hard to, you know, maintain,” Schock
responded when asked if has any fashion advice for Ryan.
When SiriusXM OutQ's
Michelangelo Signorile asked Schock whether he's gay, he
replied: “Those questions are completely ridiculous and
inappropriate. … I've said that [I'm not gay] before and I don't
think it's worthy of further response. I think you can look it up.”
He then abruptly ended the interview.
Before he walked away, Schock said he
relied on the advice of Arizona Senator John McCain and “military
experts that came before Congress” in his decision to vote against
repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell.”