Facebook has added gay-inclusive
options for users to describe their relationship status.
Users now have the options of
describing themselves as “In a Civil Union” and “In a Domestic
Partnership.”
The change was announced Thursday by
gay rights group the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
(GLAAD), which cheered the news.
“Today, Facebook sent a clear message
in support of gay and lesbian couples to users across the globe,”
GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios said in a statement. “By
acknowledging the relationships of countless loving and committed
same-sex couples in the U.S. and abroad, Facebook has set a new
standard of inclusion for social media.”
“As public support for marriage
equality continues to grow, we will continue to work for the day when
all couples have the opportunity to marry and have their relationship
recognized by their community, both online and off,” Barrios added.
The option is now available for
Facebook users in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France and
Australia, GLAAD said.
GLAAD has previous worked with Facebook
to help the social media giant tackle issues such as anti-LGBT
cyberbullying and how to respond to hateful anti-gay comments.