The policy was also challenged in the 1990s by a local gay male journalist.

And if they hold positions of public power, it is the duty of gay journalists to identify them, he argued.

Yet many are also trying to combat discrimination against gay journalists.

Mr. Aarons was president of the gay journalists' group from 1990 until 1997.

In effect, gay journalists have helped promote a national discussion about issues affecting homosexuals.

At some newspapers, gay journalists have reviewed articles to try to identify bias.

While some gay journalists have taken private action, others have worked publicly.

When a gay journalist objected, the Lazio campaign said he was referring to the flower.