Robert Knight, formerly of Concerned Women for America and now the Director of the conservative media watchdog, The Culture and Media Institute, appeared on the Live with Dan Abrams show on MSNBC on the topic of JK Rowling's disclosure that a leading character in her popular Harry Potter series is gay. The segment, unsurprisingly to fans of Mr. Abrams, became quite humorous.

"Now to a controversy burning in the magical world of Harry Potter. The revelation that Dumbledore is gay is not sitting well with everyone. Some conservative commentators are blasting Rowling, claiming she is inserting her agenda into had a perfectly good story and forcing parents to talk to their kids about a gay Dumbledore," explained Abrams.

With the whimsical warning to "put the earmuffs on the kids" Abrams introduced Knight. Appearing alongside Knight was Joan Walsh, editor of Salon.com.

Knight explains that the disclosure was "bad for kids because they see Dumbledore as a moral authority." Knight then explains that Rowling said Dumbledore was gay only "after she`s made her $450 million" and added that her announcement was gratuitous.

Defending the author, Walsh said, "She did not make a big deal out of it. She was in a question and answer session with her fans, and a young woman asked a question about whether Dumbledore ever found love, and she revealed it. It was actually kind of moving, if you saw it directly."

"This is not a publicity stunt. She will still make millions from these books, and perhaps parents like Robert will not be buying the books anymore, so she still has something at risk," she added.

Turning to a more humorous side of the segment, Abrams raised questions about other fictional characters. "[T]here is rumors as well about Peppermint Patty, C3PO, Bugs Bunny, Bert and Ernie. Are these others that you are concerned about?" he asked Knight.

After Knight attempted to seriously answer the question, Abrams pressed on about the well-known Sesame Street characters, Bert and Ernie. "Are you angry that Ernie and Bert live in the same room?"

Later in the exchange, Abrams asked again, "Does it bother you that Ernie and Bert live together?" Abrams explained that he was "kidding around a little bit. I mean, come on, I`m having a little bit of fun."

Knight, seemingly unable to grasp the humorous angle of objecting to two puppets being roommates, replied "Yes, you are. And the whole idea is to ridicule people who have an honest objection..."

Blogger questions whether Abrams was right to repeat rumors.

"This is an absolute outrage," said Mike Rogers, known for reporting on hypocritical anti-gay, closeted politicians at BlogActive.com. "That Mr. Abrams would, by way of repeating rumors, indicate that Star Wars' C3PO, Peppermint Patty, Bugs Bunny, or Bert and Ernie might be gay is outrageous. These characters have done nothing to have their private lives revealed.

"I have personally investigated Ms. Patty," explained Rogers, who is also editor and publisher of PageOneQ. "And, despite rumors to the contrary, she was not involved in the famous basketball scandal of 1977 that resulted in the expulsion of five women from the Schroeder School of Music," he added.

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