Gay Couples Given Keys to the Magic Kingdom As Disney Relents

Disney's theme parks are synonymous with the great American family day out, with the company's traditional hospitality and characters having enthralled generations for more than half a century.

Now Mickey Mouse has taken a step away from protocol by throwing open the gates of Cinderella's castle for same-sex partnership ceremonies. Gay and lesbian couples can, for the first time, stage their own commitment ceremonies anywhere on Disney property, a privilege heterosexual couples have enjoyed for decades.

"We are not in the business of making judgments about the lifestyle of our guests," said Donn Walker, spokesman for Disney Parks and Resorts. "We are in the hospitality business, and our parks and resorts are open to everyone."

The shift in position came after complaints that gay couples were specifically excluded from the Fairy Tale Weddings programme at Disney's theme parks in California and Florida, and on its cruise liners. While others had a wide choice of marriage options, such as taking their vows on a white-knuckle ride or beneath a fireworks show with Minnie Mouse as a bridesmaid, gay couples had to organise their own private ceremonies in rented meeting rooms at resort hotels.

The Walt Disney Company has long been a tacit supporter of gay tourism. It has come under fire from the religious right for policies that include partner benefits for homosexual employees. In the 90s, rightwing groups held protests against the annual "Gay Days", when more than 100,000 gay and lesbian visitors go to Disney resorts.

The company blamed its weddings policy on laws in Florida and California prohibiting same-sex unions. But after pressure from the gay website afterelton.com, it dropped its requirement that Fairy Tale Weddings packages, which start at $8,000 (£4,100), have to include a valid marriage licence. "This is consistent with our policy of creating a welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment for all of our guests," Mr Walker said.

Michael Jensen, the editor of the website, had complained that Disney appeared to be hiding behind the law. Although same-sex wedding ceremonies were not legally recognised, he said, there was nothing to prevent gay couples holding their own ceremonies.

"Elton John, who had a civil union with his partner David Furnish last year in England, would have been turned away from Disney's wedding gates," Mr Jensen said, pointing out that the singer had earned the company millions of dollars with his music for The Lion King.

"I congratulate Disney," Mr Jensen added. "Everyone should get in touch with Disney to thank them for this change as I have no doubt at all that the homophobes will be out in droves screaming that Disney's treating gay and lesbian couples somehow discriminates against their religious beliefs."