The good thing is that Ellen is free to do whatever she wishes with her money. That, to me, is the essence of the American spirit. As for how she wishes to spend it, I think the bigger issue here is that Ellen has used it to further the education of a person rather than the fact that this person is gay. Again, it's Ellen's choice how she spends her money and who she spends it on.
As for bible-thumping, I think there's more to it than that. Ignorance stems from many different sources. Blaming it solely on religion is pretty narrow-minded and stupid.
I agree with you. Most of the people I know that do object to homosexuality are good people and do not want to cause trouble. They do not say faggot and would not have stopped this prom. They state they believe homosexuality is wrong and leave it at that.
I disagree with them but they have a right to that opinion. A good friend of mine is that way and a fine person. Ignorance is not just in religion for sure as evidenced here.