Today Show Opens Weddings to Same Sex

[OceanAnnie]

Poll coming.

TODAY opens wedding to same-sex couples

TODAY released this statement to GLAAD on July 8:

Over the past few days TODAY has received a considerable response regarding our wedding contest application. The rules stated that eligible couples must be able to be legally married in New York, where we will host the wedding, therefore excluding same-sex couple applicants. Our intent was not to be discriminatory or exclusive. In 2005 when the wedding took place outside of New York, the application process was open to same-sex couples. We have listened to every voicemail and read every email. We take this feedback seriously, and we will change our application process. TODAY is a longtime supporter of the LGBT community, and GLAAD considers us an ally. We are committed to keeping those relationships strong and positive. We have opened up the application process to same-sex couples, and will extend the deadline to Monday, July 12. Moving forward, we ensure that our future wedding contests will be inclusive of all couples.

To read GLAAD's statement, "You Spoke and NBC Listened: Today Show’s 'Modern Day Wedding Contest' Opened to Same-Sex Couples", click here.

If you are interested in applying to become TODAY's wedding couple, click here.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38156203/ns/today-today_weddings/


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ETA- I found it really interesting. I'm wondering about how that will play out because so few states have legalized same sex marriage.

 

[tomthebarncat]

the right to be different and why should hetrosexuals be the only ones who are married and miserable?

 

[bicker]

I want my family, friends and neighbors treated equally, whether they're of a minority religion, ... of a minority race, ... of a minority cultural background, ... of a minority sexual orientation, ... etc.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I think my signature indicates my stance . I also think, given, as the OP points out, how few states allow gay marriage, that the winners of this contest will be a heterosexual couple.

 

[Sosai X]

ETA- I found it really interesting. I'm wondering about how that will play out because so few states have legalized same sex marriage.

They are just playing it safe in order to not appear discriminatory. "LGBT" is such a political hot button these days, they don't want any bad press connected to the contest.

 

[bicker]

That's probably very true, but the news, here, isn't that same-sex couples will be eligible, but rather the news is that "playing it safe" has changed from having "same-sex couples ineligible" to "same-sex couples eligible".

 

[OceanAnnie]

I think my signature indicates my stance . I also think, given, as the OP points out, how few states allow gay marriage, that the winners of this contest will be a heterosexual couple.

I'm not so sure. Don't the winners get votes from the public? I'm just wondering how they will handle it if a same-sex couple does win. Would they call it a wedding and it would really be a civil ceremony? I'm wondering if the legalities will play a role if it does.

Would the "Today" show have any legal liability in hosting something that isn't legal in their state?

I don't know. I just thought it was out of the ordinary that a news show would step outside the bounds of law.

 

[bicker]

My friend lives in New York and got married to her partner (years ago). It wasn't legal, but no law precludes, or could preclude, a wedding. The laws that are on the books in most states are against same-sex marriage, not same-sex weddings.

 

[OceanAnnie]

My friend lives in New York and got married to her partner (years ago). It wasn't legal, but no law precludes, or could preclude, a wedding. The laws that are on the books in most states are against same-sex marriage, not same-sex weddings.

True. I guess I'm looking at it as a misnomer. A wedding usually indicates "marriage".

 

[NewDCLGuy]

True. I guess I'm looking at it as a misnomer. A wedding usually indicates "marriage".

Many people believe that "marriage" isn't defined by a government issued piece of paper.

But if you do want to look at the legal aspects of it, New York state fully recognizes gay marriages, they just don't issue them. A couple could easily get the paperwork out of the way in other state (or Canada) and have the ceremony in New York for a couple that the state will treat like any other married couple.

 

[bicker]

Many people believe that "marriage" isn't defined by a government issued piece of paper.

Or at least recognize that a government is not the only authority on which a marriage can be based.

 

[ols386]

I voted yay. No reason to exclude gay weddings from the show.

Although, I think NBC's reasoning for doing it is to be PC.

 

[allison443]

I'm not so sure. Don't the winners get votes from the public? I'm just wondering how they will handle it if a same-sex couple does win. Would they call it a wedding and it would really be a civil ceremony? I'm wondering if the legalities will play a role if it does.

Would the "Today" show have any legal liability in hosting something that isn't legal in their state?

I don't know. I just thought it was out of the ordinary that a news show would step outside the bounds of law.

Have they said how they would handle the legalities if a same-sex couple wins the contest? Maybe they'll do the actual legal ceremony somewhere else in advance in a state where it's legal, and have the ceremony in the studio just for show, kwim? I'm sure they'll figure something out that won't be illegal.

Now to me a bigger question is why do people want to get married on the Today Show?

 

[Sparx]

I wonder if it will be more like a commitment ceremony if a gay couple wins. I mean, legally they probably can't become married, but they could still have the ceremony.

 

[Sparx]

Have they said how they would handle the legalities if a same-sex couple wins the contest? Maybe they'll do the actual legal ceremony somewhere else in advance in a state where it's legal, and have the ceremony in the studio just for show, kwim? I'm sure they'll figure something out that won't be illegal.

Now to me a bigger question is why do people want to get married on the Today Show?

I think they win a honeymoon or something.

 

[KPeveler]

I got married to my wife in Disney World (yep, Disney bride!!), and Florida does not recognize same-sex marriage in any way. I just had a ceremony in Florida, and then did the paperwork where i lived in CT.

If a same-sex couple is selected, they can have a wedding ceremony and just not do the paperwork side in NY. Just because a person has a wedding does not make it legal - every couple has to go do the paperwork, whether they are married by a civil official, a religious official, or an Elvis impersonator!

 

[OceanAnnie]

Have they said how they would handle the legalities if a same-sex couple wins the contest? Maybe they'll do the actual legal ceremony somewhere else in advance in a state where it's legal, and have the ceremony in the studio just for show, kwim? I'm sure they'll figure something out that won't be illegal.

Now to me a bigger question is why do people want to get married on the Today Show?

I agree with Sparx, it's probably for the honeymoon. Although, weddings can be out of this world pricey. It would save a ton of money on everything.

 

[bicker]

I wonder if it will be more like a commitment ceremony if a gay couple wins. I mean, legally they probably can't become married, but they could still have the ceremony.

Have they said that, for sure, they will not consider having the ceremony in Boston (for example)?

 

[npmommie]

why should hetrosexuals be the only ones who are married and miserable?

I had to laugh at this!