Disney gives gay
couples 'Fairy Tale Weddings'
Walt Disney allows
same-sex couples to enjoy popular
marriage tradition by
adding commitment ceremonies
to policy.
By Reuters from
CNNMoney.com on the Web, April 6, 2007
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 U.S. resorts and cruise
line, a Disney spokesman said Thursday.
Disney previously had allowed gay couples to organize 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 that are set aside specifically
for weddings.
"We are updating our Fairy Tale Wedding guidelines to include commitment
ceremonies," Disney Parks and Resorts spokesman 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 Web site AfterElton.com criticized Disney for not allowing
same-sex couples to participate in the Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons
program.
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, which have accused the company of promoting a gay agenda.
The groups, which lifted an eight-year boycott of Disney in 2005, had criticized
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.
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