Gay couples win share of weddings page

The New York Times is to open its weddings pages to gay and lesbian commitment ceremonies and exchanges of vows, a decision likely to be seen as a milestone in the history of sexual politics.

From Sunday the pages that traditionally show brides and grooms from the most fashionable of east coast families will now also incorporate same-sex ceremonies. The heading on the page will be changed from Weddings to Weddings/Celebrations.

"In making this change, we acknowledge the newsworthiness of a growing and visible trend in society toward public celebration of commitment by gay and lesbian couples," said Howell Raines, the paper's executive editor.

The couples will be chosen in the same way as marrying men and women, according to their "newsworthiness and accomplishments".

To qualify, a gay or lesbian couple will have to have a public event and a legal civil union, currently available only in the state of Vermont, or the registration of their domestic partnership, which can be done in New York city.