Streetalk

Baton Bob: Of course. There's an agenda that has been set across the country by the Republican Party that all gay people need to be concerned about. They have infused religious piety into their platform. Fourteen years ago, that was not a concern because everything the gay community was doing was progressive and was making a difference in this city. But everything the state Legislature has put on their agenda does not look favorable to the gay community.

Rep. Mike Coan, R-Lawrenceville: I try to be inclusive as much as possible. We'll look at social issues, but it's not going to be the driving force - even the issue of gay marriage. It wasn't about hate; it was about defining what we believe is marriage. Republicans are very nice people, unlike how we've been portrayed by the left or the Democratic Party. But I guess wedge issues have been used to beat us over the head, too.

Nick: I think these bigwigs at the state Capitol get a little nervous about homosexuality and think it's contagious. It seems at times Republicans are both anti-gay and anti-fun. But the gay marriage ban is an attack on gays and civil rights in general, so as a person, Bob should be concerned about gay rights. But as far as being a majorette and being on the street, I think he's safe and I hope he continues.