Madison gay-friendly, at the moment

Madison's long had a reputation as a Midwestern community that has welcomed gays and lesbians, so it is no surprise that the city is listed among the top 50 gay-friendly cities in the country in a new book.

Of course, there's that little piece of nastiness called a constitutional amendment that will be on the ballot next year, which could change that ranking. Gays and lesbians won't feel quite as welcome if the citizens of Wisconsin vote to take away their rights to be treated with respect as couples. They can't marry now in Wisconsin, but we don't rub their noses in it -- or restrict other recognition of longterm partnersips.

Passage of that amendment will be a clear message that gays are not welcome here, unless they don't mind being treated as second class citizens. That would be a big step backward.