Perry's Anti-Gay Rights Focus Is Divisive Even to Staff.

OKATIE, S.C. -- Gov. Rick Perry of Texas' hard turn the past two days on gay issues, in which he has suggested that gay rights are inconsistent with both American and Christian values, has generated enormous criticism from lesbian and gay organizations and some religious groups, and has even helped split Mr. Perry's top campaign aides over a new ad. In that campaign ad, released on Wednesday, Mr. Perry says ''you don't need to be in the pew every Sunday'' to know it is wrong that gay men and lesbians openly serve in the military at a time when there is no organized prayer in public schools. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]