CALIFORNIA – Facebook have added “In a civil union” and “In a domestic partnership” options to user profiles. The option is now available for users in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Australia.
Facebook collaborated with GLAAD and other national LGBT organizations in facilitating this change. GLAAD released a press statement applauding the move and the organization’s President, Jarrett Barrios, said in a prepared statement:
“Today, Facebook sent a clear message in support of gay and lesbian couples to users across the globe. By acknowledging the relationships of countless loving and committed same-sex couples in the U.S. and abroad, Facebook has set a new standard of inclusion for social media. As public support for marriage equality continues to grow, we will continue to work for the day when all couples have the opportunity to marry and have their relationship recognized by their community, both online and off.”
In October 2010, Facebook partnered with GLAAD and other national LGBT organizations to create Network of Support, an educational initiative that works to combat anti-LGBT cyberbullying. The Network of Support is comprised of LGBT advocacy organizations, including GLAAD, GLSEN, HRC, PFLAG and The Trevor Project, in conjunction with MTV’s A Thin Line campaign.
