A call for gays to boycott heterosexual weddings
(Image by Flickr user Mihai Bojin (cc))
This story was originally covered by PRI’s Here and Now. For more, listen to the audio above.
In a New York Times Op-Ed piece entitled, “Not Going To The Chapel,” writer Rich Benjamin calls on the gay community to boycott heterosexual weddings until same-sex marriages are nationally recognized.
It’s “utterly absurd to celebrate an institution that I am banned from in most of the country,” he wrote, referring to the wedding of a close friend that he did not attend. “It’s less activism than common sense,” he added. “Why should I financially subsidize and emotionally invest in a ritual that excludes me in all but five states (and the District of Columbia)?”
Benjamin says that he’s not a gay activist but this was a personal stand he had to make. He has been both hailed as courageous and attacked for alienating those who would support gay marriage.
———————————————————————————
“Here and Now” is an essential midday news magazine for those who want the latest news and expanded conversation on today’s hot-button topics: public affairs, foreign policy, science and technology, the arts and more. More “Here and Now”.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!