Monday, August 19,2002
New York Times to add domestic partner unions to marriage announcements
A story released today by the Agence France Presse reports that the New
York Times announced Sunday that it would begin including the announcements
of domestic partner commitment ceremonies in its weekly wedding pages.
Beginning in September, the "Wedding" announcement section will be entitled
"Weddings/Celebrations," and is to feature the photographs and notices of
domestic partner couples alongside heterosexual couples.
Only those same-sex couples who have entered into "legally recognized" civil
unions, currently available only in Vermont, or who have registered their
domestic partnerships will be eligible to have their commitments published
by the paper.
Times’ executive editor, Howell Raines, said the change acknowledges "the
newsworthiness of a growing and visible trend in society toward public
celebrations of commitment by gay and lesbian couples."
"We recognize that the society remains divided about the legal and religious
definition of marriage, and our news columns will remain impartial in that
debate," he added in the statement published by the daily.
