Aug 12, 2011 10:59 GMT  ·  By
Bert and Ernie will not marry on “Sesame Street” because they’re not gay, rep says
   Bert and Ernie will not marry on “Sesame Street” because they’re not gay, rep says

The state of New York recently legalized gay marriage and many believed this would be just the right time for two of the most beloved muppets to come out of the closet and walk down the aisle: Bert and Ernie of “Sesame Street.” The problem is, they’re not gay, a rep says.

Responding to an online petition asking Sesame Workshop to wed the two characters, that about 8,000 people signed, the studio says there can’t be a wedding for the simple reason that the muppets have no orientation.

In other words, Bert and Ernie may be referred to as male but they’re neither gay nor straight. Their sole purpose it to teach kids to be tolerant – and they’re already doing that with their time-enduring friendship.

“Bert and Ernie are best friends. They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves,” a statement from Sesame Workshop posted on the official Facebook page reads.

“Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics (as most Sesame Street Muppets do), they remain puppets, and do not have a sexual orientation,” the statement adds.

In other words, they will never be married, neither to a male muppet, nor to a female one.

The 8,000 people who signed the petition will certainly be heartbroken and disappointed to hear the news, especially since they asked the studio to marry the two characters in a way that would further teach children about tolerance and acceptance.

“We are not asking that Sesame Street do anything crude or disrespectful by allowing Bert and Ernie to marry. It can be done in a tasteful way,” the petition read.

“Let us teach tolerance of those that are different. Let Sesame Street and PBS Kids be a big part in saving many worthy lives,” it further said.