GLAAD CAMPAIGN AGAINST “TODAY” SUCCEEDS

The gay activist group GLAAD, which had threatened a massive protest campaign against NBC’s Today show for excluding gay couples from its annual wedding contest, was taking credit on Thursday for NBC’s decision to reverse its position and allow gay and lesbian couples to participate. The network also announced that it would extend its deadline for applications until Monday to allow gay couples to enter. “We’re thrilled that Today show’s Modern Wedding Contest now recognizes what most fair-minded Americans have already concluded — a wedding celebrates love and commitment, whether the spouses are straight or gay,” said Jarrett Barrios, GLAAD’S president. In a statement, NBC vowed: “Moving forward, we ensure that our future wedding contests will be inclusive to all couples.”