From a News Release
May 5, 2008
On Sunday, May 11, millions of viewers will tune into the season finale of ABC's critically-acclaimed series "Brothers & Sisters," which will feature the wedding of gay characters Kevin Walker ( Matthew Rhys ) and Scotty Wandell ( Luke MacFarlane ) . This will stand as a first of its kind ceremony between series regular characters on U.S. broadcast network television.
"We applaud ABC for highlighting Kevin and Scotty's declaration of commitment to each other in the presence of their family and friends," says GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano about the historic event. "Kevin and Scotty's ceremony reflects the ongoing commitment of 'Brothers & Sisters' and ABC to making visible the multi-dimensional lives of gay characters."
Michael Desmond/ABC
GLAAD is encouraging the media to use this landmark television event as an opportunity to explore how a ceremonial wedding like Kevin and Scotty's does not provide gay couples with the legal protections that straight married couples have. For instance, the characters of Kevin and Scotty reside in California, which possesses one of the most comprehensive domestic partnership laws in the nation. However, California's domestic partners lack the federal protections that are provided to married straight couples, thus making it harder for committed gay couples to take care of and be responsible for each other.
In addition, efforts are under way in California, Florida and Arizona to put measures on the November 8 ballot designed to deny gay couples the legal protections and security of marriage.
For in-depth information on marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships for gay couples please consult GLAAD's Media Reference Guide:
Marriage: www.glaad.org/media/guide/infocus/marriage.php .
Unions: www.glaad.org/media/guide/infocus/unions.php .
Please consult the following maps for a guide to state-by-state laws regarding the legal recognition of gay families:
www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/reports/issue_maps/relationship_recognition_2_08_color.pdf .
www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/reports/issue_maps/GayMarriage_09_25_07.pdf .
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While the wedding of series regulars "Kevin and Scotty" is a first for network television, there have been a few ceremonies between guest-starring gay couples on network television. Cable television, meanwhile, has led the way in featuring multi-dimensional gay characters, as well as weddings that celebrate the commitment of these characters. Here is a complete timeline of broadcast and cable weddings of gay characters.
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 .
Contact:
Damon Romine
Director of Entertainment Media
GLAAD
( 323 ) 634-2012
romine@glaad.org