Show Wedding Contest Won’t Include Gay Couples

A request from GLAAD that the Today show amend the wording on the application for its Modern Love wedding competition was declined, with a spokesperson for the show saying the winning couple had to be able to legally marry in the state of New York.

"For the TODAY show wedding, the couple must be able to be legally married in New York, which is where the wedding will take place," the spokesperson said in a statement.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation asked Today to change its application for the contest after it was pointed out that the form lists only "bride" and "groom" as the options for couples to choose.

GLAAD writes on its blog: "'Today' has chosen New York to stay within budget, since most of its key crew and core operations are located there. While we understand production constraints and recognize this is not the 'Hometown Wedding' contest, it's still disappointing that same-sex couples who can legally marry in Iowa, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Washington D.C. are not eligible to participate with 'Today' since the show's contest requires a legal wedding in New York. 'Today' should also consider New York same-sex couples who can legally marry elsewhere and are recognized by the state."