First, isn't it a Federal law that an employer cannot ask about marriage, family or sexual orientation in hiring? It seems that Santorum could have hired this man without knowing, and isn't now willing to throw him in the garbage. I admire that.
Second, it is possible for a gay person to have a deeply conservative view of what is proper for society. In an extraordinary article by a Canadian gay man who testified before their parliament AGAINST the idea of same-sex marriage -- John McKellar, President of H.O.P.E. (Homosexuals Opposed to Pride Extremism) says, "...we cannot and must not ignore the lessons of history and natural law. Again and again, it has been shown that whenever humankind fails to protect time-honored political, moral and social institutions, whenever humankind attempts to embrace pride as a virtue and mainstream behavior that contravenes natural law, and whenever humankind becomes arrogant, autonomous, egalitarian, nihilistic and foolish, civilization fails – always and without exception."
View the entire article at
http://theroadtoemmaus.org/RdLb/22SxSo/PnSx/HSx/McKellarJ%20HOPE02.htm
IIRC there are exceptions to this (I believe churches can ask to some extent). Additionally, it is fairly routine for political aides to have extensive background checks, in which case Santorum would know even if he didn't ask.
I don't think that this man would have tried to keep this a secret from Santorum. He was obviously aware that Santorum would NEED to know these things, especially in light of his politics. The only conclusion is that Santorum knew and didn't really mind. I am deeply opposed to homosexuality for religious reasons; however, if a homosexual is not running around trying to make everything a "gay" issue, it's none of my business what he does with his private life.
I find it ironic that the left is trying to force radical homosexuality down everyone's throats, but as soon as a Republican is "outed" they go on the attack.