A fairy tale for gay couples
2007-04-06 21:16
Los Angeles - The Walt Disney Co has changed its policy to allow same-sex couples to participate
in a popular Fairy Tale Wedding program it runs mainly at its
two US resorts and cruise line, a Disney spokesperson said on
Thursday.
Disney previously allowed gay couples to organise their own
weddings or commitment ceremonies at rented meeting rooms at
the resorts, but had barred them from purchasing its Fairy Tale
Wedding package and holding the event at locations at
Disneyland and Walt Disney World set aside specifically for
weddings.
"We are updating our Fairy Tale Wedding guidelines to
include commitment ceremonies," Disney Parks and Resorts
spokesperson Donn Walker said. "This is consistent with our policy
of creating a welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment
for all of our guests."
Walker said the change was prompted by "an inquiry from a
guest that asked about this service."
Disney had allowed gay couples to take part in its vow
renewals program but excluded them from buying wedding packages
by requiring a valid marriage license from California or
Florida, which do not permit or recognize gay marriages.
Last month, gay website AfterElton.com criticiszed Disney
for not allowing same-sex couples to participate in the Fairy
Tale Weddings and Honeymoons program.
Under fire from conservatives
Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding packages start at $8 000 and
include a wedding planner, the ceremony, food and beverages,
flowers and table decorations.
The Lavish Wedding Option also includes a ride to the
ceremony in the Cinderella coach, costumed trumpeters heralding
the couple's arrival, and attendance by Mickey and Minnie Mouse
characters dressed in formal attire.
Disney has come under fire from religious conservatives,
including the Southern Baptist Convention, who have accused the
company of promoting a gay agenda.
The groups, which lifted an eight-year boycott of Disney in
2005, had criticised the company for such corporate policies as
giving health benefits to same-sex partners of employees,
allowing "Gay Day" celebrations at its theme parks and airing a
prime-time television show on its ABC network featuring openly
gay comedian Ellen DeGeneres.
"We are not in the business of making judgments about the
lifestyle of our guests. We are in the hospitality business and
our parks and resorts are open to everyone," Walker said.