The calendar says 2008, but the Washington Times seems to be about 30 years or so behind …

Julia Duin’s story about the big-bucks property fight in Northern Virginia’s Episcopal churches refers to (openly gay) Bishop V. Gene Robinson, “who lives with a homosexual lover.”

Lover? Does anyone still use that term? Apparently the Washington Times still does.

This is the same paper that repeatedly refers to gay marriage as gay “marriage”, even in places where it is a real marriage (Massachusetts, Canada), regardless of where you stand in the gay-marriage debate. It’s a not-too-subtle sign that whatever Masschusetts might say, the Times has made the editorial judgment that these are not “marriages” or anything close. In the industry, they’re known as “scare quotes.”

But back to Robinson. His “homosexual lover” has a name-Mark Andrew, and they’ve been together for something like 18 years. In fact, they’re entering a New Hampshire civil union this year. “Lover” sounds like a sleazy affair on the side. Teg Haggard had a lover. Gene Robinson has a partner. There is a difference.

For what it’s worth, the Associate Press stylebook prefers “gay” or “lesbian” over the term “homosexual” when referring to a person. “Homosexual” is kosher in a direct quote, or if referring to a clinical term, like “homosexual activity.” But I don’t know anyone anymore who identifies themself as a “homosexual,” unless they’re trying not to be one anymore.

Times have changed, but apparently the Times has not.