Dropping Cho angers gay activists

BOSTON, July 27 (UPI) -- Angry gay and lesbian activists say the Kerry campaign is backing down on the gay marriage issue, the Boston Herald said Tuesday.

One gay rights group -- "Don'tAmend.com" -- expressed anger that controversial lesbian comedian Margaret Cho was barred from performing at Monday night convention ceremonies.

"John Kerry is trying to speak out of both sides of his mouth on this issue," group spokesman Andy Thayer told the Herald."

"The controversial, foul-mouthed Cho was dropped from the bill because word got out that she was planning to slam Kerry and the Democratic Party on the gay marriage issue," the paper said.

Cho was replaced at the event by Chrissy Gephardt, "the 30-year-old, openly lesbian daughter of U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt, D-Mo., and singer Ben Jelen," the Herald reported.