Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Spongebob is under fre. Christian-right activist James Dobson last week claimed a video starring the kids' icon is "pro-homosexual." It's not the first time a cartoon character has caused a stir. --By Carolina A. Miranda and Logan Orlando

SPONGEBOB

He holds hands with his friend Patrick, but his Nickelodeon creators say the yellow sea sponge was not written as a gay character

MARCIE AND PEPPERMINT PATTY

Was Charlie Brown just a beard? Gay observers swear Marcie and "Sir" from Peanuts are part of their culture

VELMA

One popular gay website had this to say about the brainiac on Scooby Doo: "Just take one look at her and you know she belongs to no man"

TINKY WINKY

The Teletubby was famously "outed" by Jerry Falwell in '99. His evidence: Winky's purple coat and red vinyl purse

ERNIE AND BERT

The Muppet duo share a room; they inspire disguises at gay-pride events. Producers insist that they're just "good friends"