Texas is one of 13 states with criminal sodomy laws still on the books and one of only four states that criminalizes sexual acts between homosexuals that are lawful within the confines of marriage between a man and woman. Not too long ago, gay-bashing was an accepted vote-getter for conservative Republicans. SantorumÕs office says the calls are running three to one in his favor. ItÕs worth noting, since Santorum brought up Òman on dog,Ó that Texas doesnÕt have a law against bestiality. (link)

Years ago, Texas had outlawed other forms of consensual sex, including bestiality, adultery, fornication and oral sex. The state repealed that law, but it passed a substitute in 1973 that singled out sodomy among same-sex couples as illegal.