By Chris Chew
If you think that Orlando Disneyland is a magical wonderland for family vacations, this article will jolt you to reality.
This is because gays and lesbian couples can exchange marriage vows in Orlando Disneyland Cinderella's Castle for sometime now. Is there anything wrong with that? Well, is there anything wrong with that?
The Walt Disney Company used to limit its Fairy Tale Wedding programs to couples with legitimate marriage licenses before, but is now making wedding ceremonies at its parks available to gay and lesbian couples as well. Why would they want to do that and earn the ire of the conservatives in the society is anyone's guess. Is the pull of the pink dollar too attractive to ignore?
It is a fact that since 1991, gays and lesbians would gather in Disney World Orlando in the first week of June in what is now known as "Disney Gay Week" in the gay and lesbian community. It was estimated that last year, about 135,000 gay revelers traveled to the Orlando Disney theme the park for gay parties and for a taste of Disney magic.
Disney's controversial decision to host gay and lesbian weddings have of course drawn loud and shrill protests from family oriented groups, Christian conservative groups and other interest groups. There were even occassionally some scattered violence when homophobes confront pockets of gays.
"I want to point out that this event is not called Gay Days in Orlando, but is called Gay Days at Walt Disney World, and as such, we believe Disney is responsible for all the activities that take place under the umbrella of this event, whether it takes place on Disney property or off Disney property. As you can see, there is plenty of offensive homosexual activities taking place within the Disney theme parks that would shock most parents and their young children." Christian Action Network President Martin Mawyer reportedly said.
In 2005, a Southern Baptists movement ended an eight-year boycott of the Walt Disney Company for violating "moral righteousness and traditional family values."
However, Disney Parks and Resorts spokesman Donn Walker defended the Disney policy by saying "We believe this change is consistent with Disney's long-standing policy of welcoming every guest in an inclusive environment. We want everyone who comes to celebrate a special occasion at Disney to feel welcomed and respected."
Disney World said it finally allowed gay and lesbian marriages to be solemnized in its ground after being contacted by a gay couple who wanted to use Disney's wedding services, which offers wedding ceremonies at Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida Orlando and on Disney's vacation cruise ships.
The wedding services and celebrations offered by Disney include flowers, dining, music, singers and many optional Disney magical touches such as ceremonies in front of the park's iconic attractions and to having Mickey and Minnie Mouse appearing as invited as wedding guests. The wedding celebration and solemnization packages start at a cool $8,000 and can cost as much as $50,000.
Do you think it is the right thing to do for Disney to allow gay and lesbian weddings in its theme parks?
Chris Chew is an avid traveler. More articles at Disney vacation holidays and
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Source:www.isnare.com |
