Omaha World-Herald newspaper to publish gay marriage announcements
Tue. August 31, 2010 7:11 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
But World-Herald won't include non-binding commitment ceremonies
Omaha, Neb. -
The Omaha World-Herald, one of the largest newspapers in the Midwest, is trying to dodge an online controversy by offering to publish legal gay marriages (but not commitment ceremonies) in its "Celebrations" section.
Last week, World-Herald publisher Terry Kroeger angered an Omaha businessman by telling him the paper would not include a notice about his daughter's planned commitment ceremony with another woman.
"Unfortunately, the conversation ended before we had a chance to fully discuss the matter," said Kroeger in an editorial published Tuesday. "Instead, the matter went public on Facebook and generated a firestorm among folks who care passionately about the issue."
Kroeger points out that four states (including neighboring Iowa) and the District of Columbia have legalized gay marriage, and he said that his paper will publish marriage announcements from those locations.
He also offered well-wishes to the women whose commitment ceremony started the controversy: "Kristy, Jessica: I wish you a long and happy life together, and congratulate you and your families."
Last week, World-Herald publisher Terry Kroeger angered an Omaha businessman by telling him the paper would not include a notice about his daughter's planned commitment ceremony with another woman.
"Unfortunately, the conversation ended before we had a chance to fully discuss the matter," said Kroeger in an editorial published Tuesday. "Instead, the matter went public on Facebook and generated a firestorm among folks who care passionately about the issue."
Kroeger points out that four states (including neighboring Iowa) and the District of Columbia have legalized gay marriage, and he said that his paper will publish marriage announcements from those locations.
He also offered well-wishes to the women whose commitment ceremony started the controversy: "Kristy, Jessica: I wish you a long and happy life together, and congratulate you and your families."