Gay issues in the news

Gay issues are suddenly in the news again - I heard on both NPR and cable news stories about -

Once-a-decade Anglican (Episcopalean) church meeting riven by divisions over the status of gay clergy. American Bishop Gene Robinson from New Hampshire was forbidden from attending the Lambeth Conference in England (in hopes of diffusing the controversy), but he went anyway. Conservative church leaders held their own "hetero only" meeting in Jerusalem. A split has been expected for a long time.

Also, new hearings on Don't Ask Don't Tell on Capitol Hill (House Armed Services Committee). Legislation has been introduced to repeal this ridiculous rule, which has resulted in the discharge of TWELVE THOUSAND soldiers since it was instituted 15 years ago.

No backlash at all, as far as I can tell. Jon Steward mocked the Anglican conference on his show, but I haven't heard of any serious right wing posturing. $4 gas will do that - makes all those "family values" issues fade a bit.