It certainly is a day of good news for LGBT couples. Thanks to your help in sending nearly 4,000 e-mails to NBC executives and tweeting @todayshow, after GLAAD's meeting (not to be confused with the legal services organization GLAD in the post below this one) with NBC executives today, NBC decided to open the contest up to same-sex couples.
Not only did NBC agree with "community concerns", but it said it will extend the deadline to Monday, July 12th, in order for same-sex couples to organize their submissions (it was originally tomorrow).
NBC's statement:
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.
If you're a same-sex couple who is engaged and planning to be legally married, you can read the other requirements and enter here. Finalists will be announced later this year and the wedding will take place live on the Today Show- a huge step forward for visibility of loving, committed same-sex couples.
Thanks for all the help, OpenLefters. Big wins today.
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