News from the Center
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Cody Renegar and Thomas Staed were denied having their wedding announcement published in the Northwest Arkansas Times. The story has caught national attention by local and national news affiliates and a press release by organizations including The Center and the Human Rights Campaign.
NWA CENTER FOR EQUALITY SEEKS NEWSPAPER POLICY CHANGE
NOTE: We are in the process adding new content to our website. We thank you for your patience. Soon there will be much more for you to see! In the meantime, keep exploring...we are glad you're here!
Cody Renegar and Thomas Staed were denied having their wedding announcement published in the Northwest Arkansas Times. The story has caught national attention by local and national news affiliates and a press release by organizations including The Center and the Human Rights Campaign.
NWA CENTER FOR EQUALITY SEEKS NEWSPAPER POLICY CHANGE
The NWA Center for Equality is strongly disappointed by the discriminatory actions of
the NWA TIMES by refusing to publish the wedding announcement of Cody Renegar
and his partner Thomas Staed.
The Center’s Director for Advocacy, Jason Rogers says, “It is a shame that in today’s
society people are blatantly placed as second class citizens due to the limited view of
love. It is a disgrace to see that a newspaper, which should be at the heart of freedom
of press and expression, would be so outright against the idea of two individuals
wishing to express their love just as our straight ally’s do.”
A similar example played out last year in Dallas, TX when a same-sex couple who were
married in Washington, D.C. asked to have their wedding announcement placed in the
Dallas Morning News. The paper, just like the NWA TIMES, refused to publish it and a
petition was started to change the newspaper’s policy. Texas, just like Arkansas, does
not recognize marriage equality but according to the publisher of the Dallas Morning
News, James Moroney, said, “It’s the right thing to do.”
Cody Renegar, a long time Community activist and member, said “I believe that I
am not only speaking for Thomas and myself but that I am also speaking for the
Community. I hope that we are doing them justice.”
GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) contacted Laura Phillips, a local
straight ally and activist, and informed her that in 2008 the NWA TIMES filled out
a survey that was sent from GLAAD saying they would publish same-sex marriage
announcements.
We at the Center for Equality, along with the backing of the Human Rights Campaign,
strongly ask the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, and the NWA TIMES, to reconsider its
position on publishing wedding announcements for same-sex couples. Equality matters.
States that allow marriage equality are Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and Washington, D.C.
Please Help by signing the petition at Change.org.
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 | NWA HOPE (HIV/AIDS Outreach Prevention and Education) A Center program offering free testing at the Center every Monday from 9AM to 9PM. The Center is located at 179 N. Church Ave. Fayetteville, AR 72701. You can call toll free at 1-888-391-9222 to set up your appointment. Your call and visit is completely confidential. |
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