Bert And Ernie Are Not Gay, Say Sesame Street Bosses

The makers of Sesame Street have denied that characters Bert and Ernie are gay.

The denial comes in the wake of an internet campaign calling for the flatmates to get married in the wake of New York state's decision to allow gay couples to wed.

The petition read: "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.

"Let us teach tolerance of those that are different. Let Sesame Street and PBS Kids be a big part in saving many worthy lives."

Sesame Workshop - the non-profit making organisation behind the Jim Henson creation - have responded by saying Bert and Ernie have no "sexual orientation" and are simply "best friends."

Their statement read: "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.

"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."

Bert and Ernie's relationship has been called into question many times over the 42 years that Sesame Street has been running.

Gay marriage was legislated in New York earlier this year.