New York ? Three months before the annual Easter egg roll at the White House, the usually festive event already is taking on a divisive edge because of plans by gay- and lesbian-led families to turn out en masse in hopes of raising their public profile.

The Family Pride Coalition and other organizers envision the April 17 action as a celebration that will earn good will and showcase their families engaging in the annual tradition.

“It’s important for our families to be seen participating in all aspects of American life,” said Family Pride executive director Jennifer Chrisler.

Yet some conservatives, alerted to the plans this week, accuse gay activists of trying to “crash” an event for children and turn it into a forum for ideological politicking. Some groups are discussing ways to respond.

“It’s improper to use the egg roll for political purposes,” said Mark Tooley, of the conservative Institute on Religion and Democracy. Tooley wrote a critical article this week in the Weekly Standard magazine about the planned event that has circulated widely on conservative Web sites.

Since the article appeared Tuesday, Chrisler said Family Pride has received “a flood of hate-filled, venomous messages telling us that our families aren’t welcome.”

Children brave the rain to take part in the annual White House Easter Egg Roll in this March 28, 2005, photo. Gay- and lesbian-led families plan to turn out en masse at this year's event in hopes of raising their public profile.

“It’s not surprising that the right would be against it,” Chrisler said. “They are very clear about wanting to make our families invisible.”

The issue was raised at a White House news briefing Wednesday when spokesman Scott McClellan was asked if President Bush would seek to prevent the gay families’ action.

“This event is a time to celebrate Easter and to have a good family celebration here at the White House,” McClellan replied.