The Omaha World-Herald has done a lot of things right since it was first started in 1885.
For instance, the newspaper has won three Pulitzer Prizes and nurtured award-winning journalists.
However, we feel the newspaper recently made a wrong decision.
In September, Nebraskans Marc Volenec and Peter Hamel took the opportunity to get married in California when same-sex marriages were still legal.
After the ceremony, the couple decided to share their happy occasion with the rest of the state, and place a wedding announcement in the World-Herald.
Apparently, the World-Herald didn't share the couples' sentiments.
According to an article in The Reader, an advertising manager told Volenec that the newspaper does not print
announcements for same-sex marriages.
The reason behind the paper's decision: They didn't want to offend subscribers or advertisers.
As regular readers of the World-Herald, we're offended that they would choose not to run the announcement.
These two individuals, one of whom has been an employee at the newspaper for 18 years, deserve to share their happiness with their community, just like any other couple.
Sure, we understand we come from a conservative state. But we're certainly not a state that should willfully ignore something just because we happen to disagree. With growing worldwide support for civil unions, domestic partner benefits and same-sex marriage, this is no time to stick our collective heads in the sand.
The World-Herald's decision stinks of censorship and bias.
It wasn't that long ago that minority and interracial marriage announcements were not printed. Newspapers back then may have used the same arguments the World-Herald hides behind today. However, this doesn't make it fair or just.
We ask the World-Herald to stay true to values that have made the paper so successful: courage, integrity, honesty and fairness.
We also urge the World-Herald to remember its purpose: to inform and serve its readers. Printing a simple wedding announcement can encourage conversation about
inequality, love and recognition. It may even begin the
process of respect and acceptance.
opinion@dailynebraskan.com
Newspapers should not censor same-sex marriage
Staff Editorial
Published: Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Updated: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 08:01
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2 comments
Don't forget the pink triangle. Hitler's symbol of hate and disrespect for the dignity of life is still alive and well in people just like you. Many people let thier lack of understanding create fear and in turn hate for that which they don't understand. Open your heart and let the last sanctioned bit of bigotry be banished from our society.
Don't forget Christ's primary message of unconditional love. its not up to us to change each other but to accept each other as we are. That message of to often forgotten or ignored.