Columbus papers to list same-sex announcements

The Columbus [Ohio] Dispatch announced Sunday that it will recognize same-sex commitment ceremonies, making it the latest newspaper in the country to open its wedding pages to gay couples. The newspaper will begin publishing commitment ceremony announcements beginning November 3, editor Benjamin J. Marrison said in a column on Sunday. The announcements will be part of a new "Celebrations" advertising feature, published in the Sunday Accent section. The feature will contain announcements of weddings, anniversaries, births, engagements, and commitments. Except for golden wedding anniversaries, the announcements carry a charge. As is the policy with weddings, Marrison said, "only those unions that have been registered or had their commitments affirmed in an officiated ceremony will be recognized." More than 140 newspapers are now publishing commitment announcements, according to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.