Disclaimer: I'm neither gay, nor a Republican.
I do, however, know many people who are either, and small number who are both.
Story here, though I'm sure everyone has seen it.
Yes, it seems that the Republican candidates are trying to be as homophobic as possible. Santorum certainly leads the way there (the only place he leads), followed by Bachmann, and now Newt.
Politically, it isn't a bad tactic, for them. The number of gay Republicans is very low; barring, of course, the regular anti-gay Republican official who comes (or is forced) out of the closet.
(Segue: Incomplete list of said Republicans)
George Rakers
Troy King
Richard Curtis
Ted Haggard (not a pol, a preacher, but the only difference is whether you're scamming a flock or the public)
Glenn Murphy Jr.
Terry Dolan
Bruce Barclay
The list just goes on.
Back on point, though. While notable, the numbers of gay Republicans are small (though, as can be seen, larger than they'd like to admit). So alienating a small group, in order to pander to a large group is... If not politically astute, at least shows that someone can count.
Gingrich referred to homosexuality as "a temporary aberration that will dissipate". And he's a historian, so he should know.... That the same sort of thing was said about both Women's Sufferage and Civil Rights.
Both of those were wrong.
You're a mean one, Newt Gingrich,
You really are a heel.
You're as cuddly as a cactus,
And as charming as an eel,
Newt Gingrich.
You're a bad banana...
With a greasy black peal!