Romenesko got this memo from the Associated Press on how the newswire is handling the term "husband" and "wife" in reference to same-sex couples:
SAME-SEX COUPLES: We were asked how to report about same-sex couples who call themselves “husband” and “wife.” Our view is that such terms may be used in AP content if those involved have regularly used those terms (“Smith is survived by his husband, John Jones”) or in quotes attributed to them. Generally AP uses couples or partners to describe people in civil unions or same-sex marriages.Not cool.
2 comments:
If "husband" and "wife" bothers AP, one solution is to use "spouse" across the board -- for gay and straight couples. For example:
She is survived by her spouse, Mary. She is survived by her spouse, John. He is survived by his spouse, Bill. He is survived by his spouse, Judy.
I like partner for both straight and gay couples. Calling a man my "husband" doesn't work for me, personally. I prefer partner.
Steve
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