Reply #37: This is just sad.

[Meldread]

He needs to just make a big public apology, take fully personal responsibility and try to wipe the slate clean. If the people don't want to forgive him, then he should resign.

I don't really care if the kid was 17 years old or 18 years old. It's pretty irrelevant in my book. Eighteen is not some magic number that makes you mature and an adult. Hell, there are seventy year olds who still aren't adults. So long as it was indeed consensual then I do not really care. Is it unethical? Yes, hugely so. Is it disgusting that a man that old tried to get with someone that young (regardless of gender or sexual orientation)? Yes. But, I don't view it as criminal.

What saddens me, though, is that he has reinforced tons of negative stereotypes about gay men. So that hurts more than anything.

If he can't make peace with the people, and re-earn their trust and respect he should step down. At least show he has some honor and take personal responsibility for his actions. It's the best way to save face, and still be respected even if people disagree with what he did.