Same-sex unions featured in Times

Mrs. JB · 08-18-2002, 02:56 PM

The Times, they are a changin' ...

N.Y. Times to Run Same-Sex Notices

NEW YORK (AP) - The New York Times plans to begin publishing announcements of same-sex commitment ceremonies along with its wedding announcements.

The announcements of formal gay and lesbian unions will begin next month in the paper's Sunday Styles section, Howell Raines, executive editor of the Times, said in Sunday's editions.

"In making this change, we acknowledge the newsworthiness of a growing and visible trend in society toward public celebrations of commitment by gay and lesbian couples — celebrations important to many of our readers, their families and their friends," Raines said.

"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, reporting fully on all points of view," he said.

Gay and lesbian couples featured in the paper will be selected by editors under the same criteria used to choose the weddings: the newsworthiness and accomplishments of the couples and their families, Raines said.

Occasionally the Vows column, a longer feature on one couple, will focus on a same-sex couple, Raines said.

Rocketman95 · 08-18-2002, 03:08 PM

This is just another step in their plan of pushing their agenda on us straight folk and trying to make us gay.

Refman · 08-18-2002, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rocketman95
This is just another step in their plan of pushing their agenda on us straight folk and trying to make us gay.

I'm assuming that was sarcastic...at least I hope it was.

DrewP · 08-18-2002, 03:21 PM

literaly.

Rocketman95 · 08-18-2002, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Refman
I'm assuming that was sarcastic...at least I hope it was.

Very.

TheFreak · 08-18-2002, 06:59 PM

"In making this change, we acknowledge the newsworthiness of a growing and visible trend in society toward public celebrations of commitment by gay and lesbian couples — celebrations important to many of our readers, their families and their friends," Raines said.

I don't really care about this and all, but I wonder what percentage of the NY population is gay? It's only 5 percent in the US, right? I'm just trying to see what "many of our readers" means.

Mrs. JB · 08-18-2002, 07:09 PM

A NYC website estimates the homosexual population of New York to be between 750,000 and 1 million. This is higher than the nationwide 5% number, but NYC (like San Francisco) attracts a higher number of gays and lesbians than most other cities.

Incidentally, I don't think you necessarily have to be a homosexual in order to be interested in gay/lesbian issues.

Batman Jones · 08-18-2002, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TheFreak

I don't really care about this and all, but I wonder what percentage of the NY population is gay? It's only 5 percent in the US, right? I'm just trying to see what "many of our readers" means. [/B]

I wonder what percentage of the NY population is Asian. I hope it's high enough to merit publishing their wedding announcements.

TheFreak · 08-18-2002, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Batman Jones

I wonder what percentage of the NY population is Asian. I hope it's high enough to merit publishing their wedding announcements.

The New York Times plans to begin publishing announcements of same-sex commitment ceremonies along with its wedding announcements.

We're not talking about wedding announcements, we're talking about 'same-sex commitment ceremony' announcements. But I assume you know that since you read the article.

Mrs. JB, that's true, but usually wedding announcements are intended for friends and relatives of the people who are being wed. If gays only make up 5 percent of the population, it's reasonable to think that their friends and relatives also make up a very small percentage of the population. But as you pointed out, the percentage in NY is higher, which I pretty much figured.

I should add that I don't care what the NY Times chooses to print in their paper. This doesn't bother me at all.

Batman Jones · 08-18-2002, 07:34 PM

Freak, I'm not trying to argue here. If you don't care what they print, that's cool.

Gotta set the record straight here, though. They're "commitment ceremonies" and not "weddings" because gay "marriages" aren't currently recognized as legal. Gays and Lesbians who plan to commit to their partners for life would be more than happy to announce their "weddings" if only the anti-gay lobby would allow them to call them that.

There are ethnic groups who make up a smaller percentage of the popluation than gays do. That's not a reason to exclude them from announcing their "commitment ceremonies," whatever they call them.

Refman · 08-19-2002, 12:07 AM

What really gets me about this argument is that these announcements have precious little to do with the concept of matrimony. These are done for social, "look at us" reasons. In case you don't realize it...these things cost BIG BUCKS. If a gay couple wants to have their union announced, so what? How many of you actually read these announcements as a matter of course? If you don't like it...turn the page...or don't buy the Times...or read it online...be creative.

Since this has evolved into a discussion on gay marriage, I'll enter the fray. If a gay couple wishes to commit formally so that there will be legal reprecussions if one wants to leave...I'm all for it. It sets the rules fairly for both partners. The way it stands now one partner can abscond with all of the valuables while the other is away and there is no real legal recourse for the aggrieved party. Let them have the same rules everybody else lives by...it's much more fair that way, and it is the only logical decision for government to make. Just because somebody has a lifestyle that I don't understand and will NEVER understand or that I don't like does not mean that they shouldn't be given a fair shake. Thaey are people...just the same as everybody else. It is the ignorance of the American people at large that has allowed gay people to be discriminated against and pissed on for decades. Where has it gotten us? NOWHERE.

So many people spend so much time asking who's gay? Who's not? I've got one for you...WHO CARES????!!!! A childhood friend of mine (we were like brothers growing up) was in town last week. We have thought that he is gay for a long time. My sister asked me if it would bother me were he gay. I told her that he is the same person gay or straight. I doesn't matter. It shouldn't matter. But when they look to commit to thier loved one for some odd reason it matters. It shouldn't. And you're getting this from one of the most right wing guys you'd ever like to meet. This should tell you something.

**Jeff** · 08-19-2002, 03:38 AM

I still love the irony that the member of city council over the last several terms with the longest committed relationship is Annise Parker and she's a lesbian. All the others have been divorced or are only recently married. Ah, the delicious irony. :D

Refman · 08-19-2002, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jeff
I still love the irony that the member of city council over the last several terms with the longest committed relationship is Annise Parker and she's a lesbian. All the others have been divorced or are only recently married. Ah, the delicious irony. :D

There is no doubt in my mind that same sex couples have long term and loving relationships. When they decide to commit they do so by being very strong. In fact stronger than their hetero counterparts. This is because they have the societal stigma of being gay. I don't envy them on that one.