US: Baltimore launches LGBT wedding planner, invites same-sex couples to marry there
Officials from Baltimore’s tourism board have launched an LGBT wedding planner, with a view to compete with other destinations at which equal marriage is legal, and to attract same-sex couples to marry there.
Visit Baltimore, the city’s visitor information site, launched an LGBT wedding planner page, and a form to fill in in order to receive an LGBT specific visitor information guide, reports the Sun Herald.
Equal marriage became legal in the state of Maryland on 6 November, following a referendum there, which upheld a a bill signed into law on 1 March 2012, by Governor Martin O’Malley, which had been contested by petition.
The new law comes into effect on 1 January 2013.
Tom Noolan, President of Visit Baltimore, released a statement:
“As a city, we have long been proud to support the rights and equality of our visitors, and the legalization of same-sex marriage is another important step forward.”
The introduction to the page, titled “the people have spoken”, which gives details of gay-friendly accommodation, wedding venues, and the sign-up for an electronic newsletter called, The Rainbow Roundup, reads:
“Charm City is an ideal destination for your big day, offering an array of options to make your wedding special and memorable. Whether you are planning an intimate affair or a full blown gala, you’ll find that perfect place to begin your life together here in Baltimore.”
Maryland is one of nine states which now allow same-sex marriages, after Maine and Washington also legalised equal marriage at referendum on 6 November.
Meanwhile, Minnesota has voted down Amendment 1, a constitutional amendment that would have defined marriage as being a union solely between a man and a woman.
According to a tourism profile, New York City is the most gay-friendly destination in the world, followed by Las Vegas, San Francisco and London.
