Ever since I was a kid, there’s been the persistent rumor that Bert and Ernie are in a relationship. I suppose the facts that they both share an apartment and have a deep friendship is the fuel to the rumors (in actuality, the puppets and their relationship is supposed to be similar to “The Odd Couple”.)

According to various sources including The Huffington Post, the petition started by Lair Scott, asks the Sesame Workshop to introduce gay marriage into the show by having Bert and Ernie marry. The reasoning behind the petition is very serious, as they cite the slew of suicides in the LGBT community. To quote the petition site:

In this horrific age of LGBT kids taking their own lives, they need to know that they ARE BEAUTIFUL and their lives are worth living. Aside from those that are committing suicide, the bullies that facilitate these tragedies need to learn that homophobia is NOT okay. They need to know that acceptance of their fellow human beings would indeed plant a seed of peace that will reverberate throughout the world. We are not asking that Sesame Street do anything crude or disrespectful. Only that they allow Bert & Ernie to marry or even add a transgender character to the show. It can be done in a tasteful way. Let us teach tolerance of those that are different. Let Sesame Street and PBS Kids be a big part in saving many worthy lives.

For more on the story, check out this video by ABC 15 in Arizona. You can also visit the petition’s Facebook page. What do you think about this story? Sound off below.