Sat. April 7, 2007
Los Angeles, CA -
The Walt Disney Company has announced they will now allow gay and lesbian couples to have marriage and commitment ceremonies in all of the venues previously open only to heterosexual marriages.
Prior to this policy change, Disney only allowed couples who have valid marriage licenses in the state of California and Florida to participate in the Fairy Tale Wedding program. Neither of the two states recognize gay marriages.
The change was prompted by the gay Web site AfterElton.com criticized Disney for not allowing same-sex couples to take part in the wedding package.
"We want everyone who comes to celebrate a special occasion at Disney to feel welcome and respected," Disney Parks and Resorts spokesman Donn Walker told the Associated Press.
Disney had previously allowed private homosexual weddings. But until now, the company had not allowed them to be held at special park locations that are set aside for heterosexual weddings.
The Disney Fairy Tale Wedding is an $8,000 service that covers the entire ceremony from the vows to the reception.
Disney parks and cruises also offer a number of honeymoon packages available to newlyweds of any orientation.
Disney has for many years supported the LGBT population by hosting "Gay Days" at its parks.
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