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Thursday, February 21, 2013

Gay Marriage / Language AP Backs Down from Calling Same-Sex Spouses "Partners"

Posted by Anna Minard on Thu, Feb 21, 2013 at 11:07 AM

Last week, if you'll remember, the Associated Press issued a style memo saying that AP style, which is used by copy editors for the AP and publications nationwide, "generally... uses couples or partners to describe people in civil unions or same-sex marriages," and only uses "husband" or "wife" with attribution or in a quote.

Well, it looks like they're changing their style officially, now:

The following entry was added today to the AP Stylebook Online and also will appear in the new print edition and Stylebook Mobile, published in the spring:

husband, wife Regardless of sexual orientation, husband or wife is acceptable in all references to individuals in any legally recognized marriage. Spouse or partner may be used if requested.

"The AP has never had a Stylebook entry on the question of the usage of husband and wife," said AP Senior Managing Editor for U.S. News Mike Oreskes. "All the previous conversation was in the absence of such a formal entry. This lays down clear and simple usage. After reviewing existing practice, we are formalizing 'husband, wife' as an entry."

It shouldn't have been a question in the first place, but good on them for coming around.

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Comments (5) RSS

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So now we can go back to calling them a "news service"?

Posted by seatackled on February 21, 2013 at 11:31 AM

Sure, @1, until the Chinese Army hacks them again.

Posted by Will in Seattle

on February 21, 2013 at 11:40 AM

Does AP ever say who it is who makes these decisions? Starting to wonder if this was Karen Handel's new job.

Posted by GermanSausage on February 21, 2013 at 11:52 AM

Tangentially, saw a man on the Price is Right give a shout out to his husband this morning. Let's not get so detracted by the fact that someone with a job saw the Price is Right this morning that we can't enjoy that for what it is.

Posted by Dougsf on February 21, 2013 at 12:26 PM