May 13, 2006 COLORADO SPRINGS - Ten years ago Jerry Albrent never would have imagined himself singing show tunes in a gay men's chorus featuring a bald, middle-aged trio performing I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair.

In 1996, Amendment 2, which was started by an evangelical Christian group, was ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. But the bitter fight over gay rights had hardly come to end. Resentments lingered.

Meanwhile, Focus on the Family and other locally based religious organizations stepped up their efforts to fight same-sex marriage, gay adoption and other "special rights" for gays and lesbians.

Colorado Springs Mayor Lionel Rivera refused to sign a city proclamation recognizing the gay community center's 25th anniversary because it advocates gay marriage.

And in 2003 the City Council voted to discontinue domestic-partner benefits, which were granted to city employees by the previous administration. All five newly elected council members, as well as the new mayor, had pledged in their recent campaigns to rescind the benefits.

But there have been signs of a potential truce - or, at least, the willingness to sit down and talk. Still, both sides claim victories and continue standing their ground.

At Focus on the Family, the international evangelical group based in Colorado Springs, it has stepped up efforts to combat legislation aimed at legalizing same-sex marriage and gay adoption. In addition to contributing to conservative causes and promoting traditional marriage on its Web site and other materials, the organization also sponsors one-day conferences that "promote the truth that homosexuality is preventable and treatable."

"Our constituency is galvanized, but we're quiet. Our voice is heard through our voting," said Carrie Earll, director of issue analysis for Focus on the Family.

"We encourage people in Colorado Springs to look to us. We elected a conservative City Council. I think that city policies are changing to reflect that," she said.

Local gay advocates, meanwhile, cite among the number of advances in recent years: Gay proms. Gay high school student organizations. Public same-sex commitment ceremonies.

In addition, the Pikes Peak Lavender Film Festival is in its seventh year, and the city will hold its 16th annual gay pride parade, which has doubled in size over the past few years.

"More people are more boldly willing to take a stance. We've had more people show up at City Council meetings and the courthouse steps to fight for our representation," he said.

Mary Lou Makepeace, former mayor of Colorado Springs, said the influence of conservative Christians has adversely affected the local political and social climate.

"Politically, this community has grown more conservative. Look at who is currently in office. Some of the most strident voices in this city tend to be conservative," said Makepeace, who is currently head of the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado, established in Colorado Springs the year Amendment 2 was overturned to support nonprofits that "promote equality for all people."

"Colorado Springs doesn't have a reputation as the birthplace of hate unless you live in San Francisco," he said, referring to the city's large gay and liberal community. "It's a peaceful, beautiful town with wonderful people."

"I wasn't out then, but people knew I was gay. It was a 'don't ask, don't tell' sort of deal. That's the way it is for many gays and lesbians," he said.

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