In the year 2007, there are still some issues that will ignite controversy like none other in the United States. The country in many ways over the last half-century has taken giant leaps as far as gender and race equality. One topic that remains a “hot button” issue is equality due to sexual preference. This week, one major American Company has stuck its “ears” into the middle of the debate. The Mouse has changed its policy.
This week, the Walt Disney Company has decided to allow marriage ceremonies for gay couples, by making more inclusive their policies for their Fairy Tale Wedding Program. In the past, Disney has only allowed couples with valid marriage licenses to take part in its Fairy Tale Wedding program. Disney is now allowing gay couples to have an equal opportunity to have a marriage ceremony at one of its theme parks as well. The change now allows gay couples to have a wedding service at either Disney World in Orlando, Florida; Disneyland in Anaheim, California; or on one of Disney’s cruise ships.
In an interview with the Associated Press on April 6, 2007, Disney Parks and Resorts spokesman Donn Walker said, "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 welcome and respected."
Is this move a Public Relations stunt? Is the company just trying to make a buck? Will Disney find itself in a legal mess or is this a way of avoiding one?
This does not seem to be a publicity stunt. Disney was contacted by a gay-couple that wished to have a wedding ceremony at one of their theme parks. Disney charges several thousands of dollars for these weddings. Each of these events can take place in various locations in the park. Disney offers many traditional components to a wedding service in their Fairy Tale Wedding program including catering, music, flowers and the like. You can even have Disney characters at your event. Clearly, having weddings and events in the park is a lucrative endeavor for the Mouse. By discriminating against any group of potential guests or patrons, Disney stands to lose a considerable amount of money.
This change by Disney, however, does come with some potential backlash. Many conservative groups such as the Southern Baptists have boycotted Disney in the past for violating “family values.” Any such future boycott, would certainly also cost Disney substantial income as well. Disney has hosted, non-sanctioned “gay days” for years at their parks. Even though the events are not directly sanctioned by Disney, they have been “tolerated” by them. There have been many-a-family that have come to Disney on a “gay days weekend” that have felt uncomfortable about public displays of affection.
Clearly Disney is taking a calculated risk by including one group of beliefs, which might be contrary to another group’s beliefs. The jury is still out as how much Disney stands to gain or lose from this policy switch, but this is for sure, it keeps the Mouse in everyone’s mindset.
What are your thoughts? Do you have an opinion? Discuss Disney's policy change here!
