September 5, 2008
Hallmark's gay wedding cards cause controvery
David Foucher READ TIME: 1 MIN.
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Most states don't recognize gay marriage -- but now Hallmark does.
The nation's largest greeting card company is rolling out same-sex wedding cards -- featuring two tuxedos, overlapping hearts or intertwined flowers, with best wishes inside. "Two hearts. One promise," one says.
The decision has already caused problems for at least one Hallmark store. Tracy's Hallmark in the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City and Town Square Mall in Vestal do not have the cards in stock yet, but they are expected soon, sales associate Heidi Morgan said.
While the cards aren't in the store's possession, that hasn't stopped some from letting the store know their unfavorable opinions about the addition.
"We've also received several hate mails about them," Morgan said.
A call to the local stores' owners, Tracy and Jack Vail, was not returned.
Hallmark said the cards come after California joined Massachusetts as the only U.S. states with legal gay marriage. A handful of other states have recognized same-sex civil unions.
The language inside the cards is neutral, with no mention of wedding or marriage, making them also suitable for a commitment ceremony.
David Foucher is the CEO of the EDGE Media Network and Pride Labs LLC, is a member of the National Lesbian & Gay Journalist Association, and is accredited with the Online Society of Film Critics. David lives with his daughter in Dedham MA.
