You may recall a few weeks back a (heterosexual) couple in California were pitching a fit over new marriage license forms from the state that identified the couple on the form as "Party A" and "Party B," rather than "bride" and "groom." Given that the state now recognizes the marriages of men and women in whatever pairing their hearts choose, that sort of gender-specific language was deemed inappropriate.

But this, the couple said, was religiously oppressive because, no matter what they called each other, or their friends called them, or their families called them, or their church called them, if the state of California didn't call them a "bride and groom," then they somehow weren't really married or something.

Well, the state of California has come up with something to assuage the couple and others who have similarly complained about the (gender neutral but aesthetically awful) terms.

California state officials, saying they had heard from residents all over the state who would like to be identified as "bride" and "groom" on their marriage license, announced Monday that state forms will be changed. Again.

Couples filling out the license will now have the option of declaring themselves bride and groom, bride and bride or groom and groom. They can also leave the space blank. The new forms will be available in county offices in November.

 

Which, shrug, is fine. People can put what they want, love conquers all, and all's right with the world. 

(Well, unless Prop. 8 passes next month. Mutter mutter mutter ...)

(via BD)

Filed under :: Gay Stuff :: Politics & Law :: Writing and Language

I have to agree that it was 'aesthetically awful'. Makes it sound like a business, not a declaration of love.