Good observation.
It isn't homosexuality these supposed conservatives have a problem with. It is that branch of conservatism known as social conservatism. Keyes is a prominent social conservative; hence their displeasure and disdain (even greater than the displeasure and disdain they have for Cheney).
Oh, roger that. My take is that homosexuality is like eating beets: I really, really find it repugnant, but if you don't force it on me it's none of my darn business whether you do it or not. But if you come to my house and call me an evil person for not being overjoyed at your beet-eating lifestyle, you're going to be flying out the front door, probably with a wedgie to boot.
BTW, thanks for your service. What did you do in the Air Force? I was a KC-135 crew chief.