Keeping The Streets Gay

City officials have denied a request by Second Baptist Church of San Antonio to change the name of Gay Street, which runs next to the church's property, WOAI-TV reported.

The church wanted to rename the street "Second Baptist Way" in what it called an effort to reach out to the community. Many involved, though -- including attorney Rosie Gonzales, who participated in the hearing -- suspect the reason for the request had more to do with the existing name than it did with outreach efforts.

Gay Street was named after a prominent community activist, and those who live on the street and in the general area have requested the street keep its name as a tribute.

At the hearing at City Hall on Thursday, the request was denied by a nearly unanimous vote. According to WOAI, City Councilwoman Sheila McNeil requested that the name change be denied, and the council agreed.