Yep, I'm bummed about it too. Apparently the poor little critters weren't made with "any sexual orientation" and therefore can only ever see each other as "best friends".

Anyway, longstanding fans of Sesame Street have cobbled together a petition following New York's legalisation of same sex marriage. It reads: "We are not asking that Sesame Street do anything crude or disrespectful by allowing Bert and Ernie to marry. 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."

In response, Sesame Street have issued this statement: "Bert and Ernie are best friends," the statement read. They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves. Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics (as most Sesame Street Muppets do), they remain puppets, and do not have a sexual orientation."

Many would beg to differ, what with Bert posting the following on the Sesame Street's Twitter last year: "Ever notice how similar my hair is to Mr T's? The only difference is mine is a little more 'mo', a little less 'hawk'."