Don't be gay, SpongeBob!

What IS it with Republicans and children's entertainment characters? Alert reader Eric tips us off to the latest GOP target: SpongeBob SquarePants. Courtesy the Times:

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19 - On the heels of electoral victories barring same-sex marriage, some influential conservative Christian groups are turning their attention to a new target: the cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants.

"Does anybody here know SpongeBob?" Dr. James C. Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family, asked the guests Tuesday night at a black-tie dinner for members of Congress and political allies to celebrate the election results.

SpongeBob needed no introduction. In addition to his popularity among children, who watch his cartoon show, he has become a well-known camp figure among adult gay men, perhaps because he holds hands with his animated sidekick Patrick and likes to watch the imaginary television show "The Adventures of Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy."

Yeah. SpongeBob is, what, 6 years old in the cartoon? Seriously, can the GOP please, please, please get a life?