NBC Ends Rule Barring Gay Weddings on 'Today'

By PopEater / Wire Services Posted Jul 9th 2010 06:31AM

After a meeting with gay and lesbian activists on Thursday, NBC's 'Today' show said it is changing the rules for its annual wedding contest to allow same-sex couples to apply for a ceremony conducted on morning TV. NBC extended the deadline for applications until Monday. Already thousands of couples have expressed interest in the on-air wedding, which the top-rated morning show has sponsored for a decade, a spokeswoman said.

"We're thrilled that `Today' show's 'Modern Wedding Contest' now recognizes what most fair-minded Americans have already concluded -- a wedding celebrates love and commitment, whether the spouses are straight or gay," said Jarrett Barrios, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

Viewers plan every aspect of the wedding, from the cake to the clothing styles of attendants. NBC picks four couples from thousands of applicants, and viewers vote on which of those couples will participate.

Same-sex couples have been excluded because New York state law does not allow them to get wedding licenses. But NBC said GLAAD pointed out that a same-sex couple would be able to get a license from another state and still have their ceremony in New York.

NBC said it had listened to voicemails and read e-mails protesting its decision not to allow same-sex marriages. The show considers relations with the gay and lesbian community very important, it said in a statement.

"Moving forward, we ensure that our future wedding contests will be inclusive to all couples," NBC said.

The only time same-sex couples were allowed to apply for the 'Today' wedding was in 2005, when an out-of-state wedding was held, said show spokeswoman Megan Kopf. No gay or lesbian couples were among the finalists, however.

Although 'Today' viewers decide which couple will get married on TV, they choose from among four that 'Today' producers screen and put up for a vote. So there's no guarantee that even if same-sex couples apply for the on-air wedding, viewers will have a chance to select one to participate.

GLAAD said it only learned last week that same-sex couples weren't allowed to apply, and issued a "call to action" for members to complain to NBC. Thousands did, the organization said.

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Comments

(76)

Tuesday 13 July

By Steph

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Oh, I'm not being hateful OR ignorant. I'm just saying it the way it is. And that is that God's idea of marriage is between a man and a woman. Period. Now, I have friends that are gay, but that doesn't mean I hate them. I'm just stating my opinion. And that is that I REALLY don't approve of gays, lesbs, etc. because it's against my beliefs and my religion. And calling me a bigot is being just a little bit hateful yourself, don't you think?

Saturday 10 July

By jemma

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it just he fact that everyone is tryin to push it down our thowts nowadays1 if thats what you like fine but i dont want to hear about it much less see it!

By David

Everyone needs to read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Do you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of GOD ? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of GOD. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the LORD JESUS and by the spirit of God.
Homosexuality is a sin just as murder is a sin. The argument that GOD made you that way also works for everyone and their sins. GOD made us all but we choose to sin or by giving in to a sin such as homosexuality, adultery,lies or the drink. So before you slam people please read the bible because it is the WORD OF GOD.

By Carl

There is no good in homosexuality, and will lead to a premature death.

By Randy

It amazes me! You gay Americans that responded to Pams very simple remark. You won't be happy just being allowed to have same sex marriages. You won't be happy until virtually everyone agrees with you...and if we don't, it is you on the attack! You talk about God, the 21st century and what you consider progress! The key word, again, is you! You talk about rights yet this woman can't make a simple statement without all of you going after her...simply because she doesn't agree with you! I find your way of life gut wrenching and disgusting! I don't bother you about it, or discuss it. It's very simple...God made men and women! The parts fit together like it was designed that way. And when those parts go together with love, you can create a life! With you very angry gays it will always be a square peg in a round hole...literally! You create nothing! You would gladly trample anyone that disagrees with you, or worse....attempt to humiliate them. I saw this in the Miss America Pagent(?). gay man sets up this contestant with a question that served only him and attempted to destroy her! When I think of what you all do it makes me want to vomit! I won't be reading this again so reply all you want. What you all say is meaningless to me, and the majority of Americans. Pam, continue to say and think what you want dear! It is your choice. ...and don't be bullied by the gays.They are pathetic, selfish,angry humans that only care about themselves! They have learned to twist words and double talk. It makes them feel better.

By onaroundthebend

Dear Randy,

Speak for yourself. And please, for the love of GOD, do not procreate.

Sincerely,

The majority of Americans

Wednesday 14 July

Dear Randy,

THANK YOU! Finally somebody has their head screwed on straight. I couldn't agree with you more :)

And @onaroundthebend, you're crazy to think the "majority" of Americans are in favor of gay marriages and such... believe me, they aren't.

By Justine

I don't agree with gay marriage. Marriage is the union of man and woman. If gays want to have a legal union - fine - but don't redefine marriage. Also, I don't understand why a person is considered to hate gays if they don't approve of gay marriage. That's not true at all.

By dani

It's a slap in the face, that's why we think you hate us. We aren't real and our relationships aren't real. We are just playing at being human. That is what your statement says to me. That's why I think you hate me. You don't value me, my feelings, or my relationships. What else would you call it?

Sunday 11 July

You are not making sense that it is a slap in the face, that I don't value your relationship with someone else. There are loving relationships between friends, relatives, etc., but you don't marry them. Marriage is bewtween a man and a woman. Get over it. If you want a legal union with a person of the same sex, make up a name for it and just do it.

By Dani

I've been married. I won't go through that again. I've been in a same-sex relationship for the last seven years, and even if I could, I wouldn't get married. that's a personal choice, not a political statement. We need to take church out of state once and for all. Go preach at church. Don't ram your heterosexuality down my throat and I won't make you watch me kiss my partner. that sounds fair to me.

By Stanley

Why should it matter? It's will be just another freak show just like the one that follows the Today Show in my area: The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

By Susan

I am a Christian. By being a Christian I do not have the right to do God's job when He decides it is time to judge all the sinners. Besides just because I am a Christian does not mean that I don't sin. We all sin. Sin is sin and there is no sin greater then anothers. We each need to practice the teachings of Christ...LOVE, ICorinthians 13 will define love. I may not like what you or anyone else does but it is not my place to say if you are right or wrong, that is His job.

>>These are signs we are sick and cursed as well as in need of turning back to our Heavenly maker for healing as well as the end is drawing near. People wake up!!

By Tom

Why Not??!!! The whole country has literally gone to hell in an Obama basket anyway. Let people marry their pets next. Think it sounds crazy??? Thats next, mark my words.

Thursday 19 August

By miguel

I am not gay and I could care less if two people of the same sex want to marry. Just don't push your sexuality on other people. Live your lives your own way without arrogance people might lighten up on you. Most gays are like blacks having the poor me attitude and always being oppressed. This IS the 20th century so start acting like it and chill out!

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