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"
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