A Top Chef for Marriage Equality

by Michael Jones · 2009-08-28 22:31:00 -0700
Topics:

Tom Colicchio

Tom Colicchio, the co-host of Bravo's Top Chef, took to the blogosphere this week to talk a little about marriage equality.  His comments come in the wake of an episode of the show where contestants were asked to prepare food for a heterosexual wedding in Las Vegas.  As several of the LGBT contestants on the show pointed out, Las Vegas, Nevada is one of the states where gays and lesbians can't get married and are denied many of the benefits straight couples receive upon marriage - even if that straight marriage takes place at some casino's Chapel of Love and lasts all of three days (Ms. Britney).

We've long been afraid of Colicchio, but (to quote another Vegas superstar), maybe 'a new day has come.'  Just what did Colicchio have to say about same-sex marriage?

"I’m going to go out on a limb and say a few words about same-sex marriage: First of all, part of the problem with the issue is that it is framed by opponents as a discussion of whether gay people should get special rights. This is specious – yes, special legislation or court decisions grant them the right to wed in a particular state, however this is done to ensure that they share equal protection under the law by finally being able to avail themselves of the same rights as everyone else.  They are not seeking special treatment, just equitable treatment."

Oh, that's good.  But there's more!  And this is the type of money line that has us pumping our fist afterward.

"The idea that religious leaders are continuing to shape state law is just wrong. The institution of marriage should be available to all. The idea that you can have a life-long partner and not make decisions for them in a hospital, not share in insurance benefits, not automatically have parental rights unless you are the birth parent, is just flat-out wrong."

Perhaps someone should introduce Tom Colicchio to Monica Hesse at the Washington Post.  Lord knows she certainly needs more education on the issue of marriage equality and LGBT issues, after her embarrassing toast to the National Organization for Marriage.

Michael Jones is a Change.org Editor. He has worked in the field of human rights communications for a decade, most recently for Harvard Law School.
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