FUPPPSYLVANIA, October 5:  Sitting at his regular place in the venerable establishment known simply as “The Watering Hole,” The Rev. Mr. Bassett again became the center of attention after yesterday’s service. One could hear his booming bark outside as he laughed, “Caul-i-fornia has done it again. The legislators have forward thinking and the chief executive’s gears are in reverse.” 

“But, fearful people do stupid things.” One voice chimed in.  Cleopatra, lying in the warmth of the sun on the bookcase, casually meowed, “He should spend more time at the library as I do. After seeing what's going on in the world, we’re thinking of putting up a scoreboard.” 

Seeing she'd drawn everyone’s attention, Cleo purred on. “If he only looked around,” she continued, “He'd see. Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont have recognized same sex unions. And world wide …." Stretching, she seemed to be recalling a litany. “Our brothers and sisters all over the planet are being acknowledged. The first gay muttrimonial ceremony in Argentina was in July, 2003. A year before that the Finance Minister of Norway and his dogs were joined in marriage to their gay partners. Today, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland all recognize our rights.” 

As if teaching a class she added: “Even the Appeals Court in Canada ruled in favor of gay NIPtuals, and on the other side of the world, King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia said gays and lesbians 'should be allowed to get married.' This issue clearly crosses all cultures and religions."

Breaking the seriousness of the mood, Chester, the intractable bulldog, wondered aloud: “If I’m born again would I have two tails? And if so, could one be for males and the other for females?” 

The Rev. Mr. Bassett added his wisdom to Chester’s humor. “Religion is for those who are afraid of going to hell. Spirituality is for those who have been there.” 

As the group broke up and padded to their homes, two other comments were heard.  

“Maybe in a country that espouses freedom they should remember that no one is really free when others are oppressed.” 

"Well, just remember," one laughing frog croaked, “If gay and lesbian people are given civil rights then everyone will want them.”