Facebook adds 'civil union' as relationship status

PALO, ALTO, CALIFORNIA: The popular social networking website Facebook has recently added two new relationship status options for its users in Canada, France, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

The move to include "In a Civil Union" and "In a Domestic Partnership" comes after several groups, including the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), had urged Facebook to change the options.

"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," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "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 U.S. lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organizations to create "Network of Support," an educational initiative that works to combat anti-LGBT cyberbullying. GLAAD also worked with Facebook to reshape the way that the site responds to hateful, anti-LGBT comments posted on public pages.

Facebook's "Network of Support" is comprised of five leading LGBT advocacy organizations in conjunction with MTV's "A Thin Line" campaign, including GLAAD, GLSEN, HRC, PFLAG and The Trevor Project.

(BNO NEWS )