FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Vaishalee Raja
Associate Director of Media Field Strategy
(323) 634-2045
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New York, NY, June 13, 2008 – The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) today urged the media covering the weddings of gay and lesbian couples in California – slated to begin on the evening of Monday, June 16 – to do so in a fair, accurate and inclusive manner.
 
"This is a very personal, joyful moment for these couples," said GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano, "and the reporters and producers who are offering a window on their commitment have an important responsibility to do so in a way that is in keeping with the significance of their special day." Giuliano added that media should take care to avoid sensationalistic coverage.
 
GLAAD is providing assistance to media covering next week's weddings in California.  For additional information or for assistance in locating a couple for a story, media are encouraged to contact GLAAD's Associate Director of Media Field Strategy, Vaishalee Raja, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Ali Bay, communications manager for Equality California, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
 
"The California Supreme Court's decision to recognize the marriages of loving, committed couples throughout the state affirms the hope that so many of us share – to make a lifelong promise to take care of and be responsible for the one we love," Giuliano concluded. "We are thrilled that the media will have an opportunity to share the stories of many such couples in the weeks and months to come."

About GLAAD
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org.