Participants said they told the Republican chairman they would bolt the party if leaders continued to make overtures toward gays.

Anyway, there is still too much hatred and bigotry toward gays, even in "liberated" countries.

Initiated the Don't ask, don't tell policy toward gays in the military, 1993.

Their force relies exclusively on current widespread bigoted attitudes toward gays.

There are signs that hostility in the military toward gays may be easing.

"For most, over the course of the year it makes their attitudes toward gays more positive," he said.

"But if their hostility toward gays is based on religion, their views are hardest to change."

The long-term trend has been to a great tolerance toward gays.

The Army has made no comment on the case's possible implications for its controversial policy toward gays.

It's just that I have a huge problem with their discriminatory attitude toward gays.