News Release October 25, 2006
NLGJA News > News Releases > October 25, 2006

Open Letter to the News Industry: Writing About Same-Sex Marriage

This afternoon, the New Jersey Supreme Court will answer the question, “Does the New Jersey Constitution require the State to allow same-sex couples to marry?” In issuing a ruling in the case of Lewis v. Harris, regarding whether the state will grant marriage rights to same-sex couples, New Jersey could become the second state to do so, with Massachusetts extending rights in 2004. (New Jersey is one of five states without a constitutional amendment or law to ban marriage for same-sex couples.)

The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) would like to remind reporters and other journalists, bloggers, columnists and media analysts that words matter – that fairness, accuracy and appropriate framing of the issues involved will lead to better coverage.

As we’ve previously noted, the oft-used term “gay marriage” is both inaccurate and misleading. More appropriate terminology in discussing such legislation would be “marriage rights for same-sex couples.” Or, in those instances where a briefer description is necessary, “same-sex marriage” as “same-sex” is a more accurate and inclusive description than “gay.”

Journalists should remember that proper framing must be considered when sourcing stories. Marriage continues to be a controversial issue with many different sets of opinions that may be individually valid – but may not be appropriate to play against one another. For example, NLGJA recommends that legal expertise be differentiated from religious quotes and opinions. A legal expert's comments on points of marriage law and civil legislation should not be contrasted with opinions of theologians.

Additionally, diversity of opinion is key to bringing this story to our readers, viewers and listeners. News organizations should seek insight beyond the standard “go-to” sources that are quoted most often and take this coverage opportunity to broaden potential contact and source lists. Journalists should also work to go beyond pre-conceived ideas regarding who would be the “pro” and “con” sides of the marriage debate. There are, for example, communities of faith with opinions on both sides of the issue just as there are members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community with differing opinions.

Reporters should also note the differences between marriage law and the legal designation of civil unions, which are currently issued only in Vermont and Connecticut. Civil unions are presumed to extend marriage benefits and protections under Vermont and Connecticut state law, but do not include any federal benefits available to married couples. Civil unions also have no effect on religious congregations and their option to bless or not to bless civil unions registered with these states.

In addition to this afternoon’s court ruling in New Jersey, on Election Day voters in eight states will be voting on legislation concerning marriage rights for same-sex couples. In some state and local races issues concerning the LGBT community are playing leading roles in campaigns. It is critically important that journalists provide news consumers with information that is fair and accurate about the issues that affect the lives of all citizens – LGBT and non-LGBT alike.

NLGJA has several resources to help guide journalists who are reporting on LGBT people and issues. Please visit our Stylebook Supplement on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Terminology, or our Journalists Toolbox. We hope these will be useful to you in your pursuit of good journalism.

Sincerely,

Eric Hegedus
National President

Thomas Cashman Avila
Acting Executive Director

Media Contacts:

Eric Hegedus
National President
Cell: 215-840-3909
eric@nlgjaleaders. org

Tom Avila
Acting Executive Director
Office Phone: 202-588-9888, ext. 17
Cell: 202-906-9885
tavila@nlgja.org