The Glow of Gay Marriage

An important component of any good reading of the New York Times wedding announcement is the gay marriage. The first gay "commitment ceremony" was featured on these hallowed pages in 2002 and homosexual couples have been a distinct presence every since. In keeping with the times, the announcements have followed the changes in law that have turned the commitment ceremonies into weddings in some states and led to defiant announcements of civil unions in others. This week's vows column offers up the tale of the slightly untraditional American family that happens to be anchored by a committed gay marriage. In a week where the New York State Senate voted down gay marriage , it's bittersweet to read this happy story of Mr. Busch and Mr. Davis's Connecticut marriage. When battling legislatures and activism seem to be so much about practicality and rights (to be with your partner at the end, to file a join tax return, etc), Mr. Busch offers up the reminder that marriage is not only about about what you get on paper, but romance too. As he puts it, "No one ever says, I want to civil union you." Amen. Maybe our states just need a little less of our cheating politicians and sports stars and a little more gay marriage.