biologists in colorado who take to that state's rivers every fall to check on the health of the fish living in them--using an electronic device to temporarily stun their subjects in order to collect samples--were shocked themselves to discover  populations of male fish with female sexual tissue in three different stream systems..

"I've done a lot of studies throughout my career which extends back to 1973," recalled researcher, john woodling. “This is the very first time that what I've found scared me."

in boulder creek,  female white suckers outnumbered males five to one; half the males  had female sex tissue.

all the fishy fish were found downstream from sewage treatment plants in water with abnormally high levels of the female hormone estrogen.  estrogen is a common constituent of 'used' water but is not easily removed during the treatment process.  the problem is excaberated by man-made chemicals in detergents, paints etc. that mimic estrogen.

"We're concerned about the effect on aquatic life, but we're also concerned about our ability to actually treat for these estrogens and estrogen mimickers," says barbara biggs,representing denver's largest treatment plant.

estrogen mimics--known as nonylphenols--are suspected of causing  kidney, eye, liver and reproductive problems and have been banned in europe.  canada is currently considering a ban as well.   researchers in the us have found natural estrogens and estrogen mimics in 80 percent of streams tested throughout 30 states.

here's where a little prophesy is in order.

the evangelical moral values movement which so vigorously fights same-sex marriage is equally adamant in its opposition to environmental regulation.  the basis for their position is twofold: literal interpretation of passages in genesis in which man is given dominion over the beasts of the earth and fishes of the sea as well as the green light to harvest and consume earth's resources... and their belief our world will soon come to an end obviating any need for conservation.  man's efforts to interfere with natural processes, in this world view, evidences a unhealthy lack of faith.

should the end times be a bit further in the future than anticipated, we may find ourselves conflicted over two more wedge issues:  both-sex partners as well as same-sex marriages...and what to do with those "fish" symbol car ornaments and bumperstickers.