NBC's decision to open the Today
Show's annual wedding contest to gay and lesbian couples has
spurred a heated debate online.
Executives reversed course Thursday
after meeting with representatives from the Gay & Lesbian
Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). The group began protesting the
exclusion about a week earlier.
In addition to including gay couples,
producers also agreed to extend the deadline for the contest until
Monday, July 12 to allow time for gay couples to submit their
applications.
The popular contest asks viewers to
plan the wedding – from soup to nuts – of one lucky couple, who
then marry live on the air sometime in the fall on NBC's dime.
Reaction at online forums has been
strong. While a majority of the 1003 comments on the show's Facebook
page thanked executives for their courageous decision, many also ran
negative.
“Booo,” said one commenter. “It's
not legal marriage and should not be included.”
“Sad day for the 'Today Show,'”
wrote another.
“Please reconsider your decision and
do the right thing morally for our country and our Lord,” a poster
said.
“I am totally disappointed,”
responded another. “God is not pleased and neither am I. What
about my rights!!!!”
Executives at the network said they did
not intend to exclude anyone, noting that gay marriage is illegal in
the state of New York from where the show is broadcast. Gay
advocates, however, pointed out that a gay couple could marry in
neighboring Connecticut or Canada, or in nearby District of Columbia,
and have the ceremony on the show. Additionally, the group argued,
the state of New York recognizes the out-of-state marriages of gay
couples.