DISNEY TO ALLOW GAY WEDDINGS

In what is a significant change in policy, Disney is to allow same-sex couples to marry at its theme-park resorts in the US.

The move comes after a gay website, AfterElton.com, slammed the company for not including same-sex marriages in its Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons packages.

Disney had told the site’s editor, Michael Jensen, that this was because same-sex unions were not legal in the states in which its resorts are located. Jensen, however, argued in an article on his website that gay couples should still be allowed to hold commitment ceremonies under the packages.

Now it appears that the powers that be at the magic kingdom have changed their minds following what the company says was “an inquiry from a guest that asked about this service.”

While Disney has allowed same-sex commitments ceremonies to take place at its California resort, there were restrictions on venues, and couples could not take advantage of it wedding packages which offer a complete wedding service.

Disney Parks and Resorts spokesman Donn Walker told Reuters that,” We are updating our Fairy Tale Wedding guidelines to include commitment ceremonies. This is consistent with our policy of creating a welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment for all of our guests.”

“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,” he said.

Jensen received the news positively on his website, writing that, “I congratulate Disney on stepping up to the plate and doing the right thing.”