For a thousand years, Christians have “published the banns” of marriage, announcements of intendeds. So important were the banns early on that if a couple didn’t have them read thrice, the vicar couldn’t tie the knot.
The banns of this age are the local paper’s wedding notices. Appearing on the social page means acknowledgment, recognition and perhaps approval. Gay activists are pressuring papers to include announcements of same sex unions, and this week, the Great Grey Lady said “I do” or at least “I will”.
Some call the New York Times’ decision long overdue – recognition of a change that’s already taken place. Others say it’s not up to a newspaper to bless unions of brides and brides, grooms and grooms. Do you, subscriber, take this paper, to have and to hold?
Guests:
Joan Garry, Executive Director, GLAAD, Gay and Lesbian
Alliance Against Defamation
Peter Sprigg, Senior Director of Culture Studies, Family Research Council
Michael Bronski, author of “The Pleasure Principle: Sex, Backlash, and the Struggle for Gay Freedom”
Charles Broadwell, Editor of the Fayetteville Observer, Fayetteville, North Carolina