After a brief brou-ha-ha where they were trying to claim that the more appropriate term for legally married same-sex couples was "partner," the Associated Press has explicitly changed its very influential style guide to reflect that husband and wife are terms to be used regardless of sexual orientation:
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.
Although they don't address the controversy head on they also included this quote to explain the context of today's action:
"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."And brick by brick that is how the edifice of discrimination crumbles...
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