The Today show is getting amped up for its “Modern Day Wedding” contest, and couples around the country are excited about entering. However, there were many protests about the exclusion of homosexual couples, which led to NBC allowing gay and lesbian couples to enter.

President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Jarrett Barrios stated that the organization learned of the exclusion and immediately issued a “call to action” to GLAAD members. He said, “We’re thrilled that Today show’s ‘Modern Wedding Contest’ now recognizes what most fair-minded Americans have already concluded—a wedding celebrates love and commitment, whether the spouses are straight or gay.

NBC heart GLAAD and the thousands of viewers who contacted them. And they have moved to make their contest a truly modern wedding where any couple can share their story.”

NBC said that the contest was previously closed to homosexual couples because same-sex wedding aren’t legal in New York. However, GLAAD argued the point, saying that same-sex couples could obtain a marriage license elsewhere in the country and still marry in New York, since the state recognizes marriage licenses granted in other jurisdictions.

I have always been a supporter of the legalization of same-sex marriages, so I am pleased by this news. I see it as a sign that we are on the right path, the path to equal rights.