In what has been described as a historic first for network television, the two actors that portray gay men on the ABC show “Brothers & Sisters” will marry on the season finale of the show on May 11.
The wedding of gay characters Kevin Walker (Matthew Rhys) and Scotty Wandell (Luke MacFarlane) will stand as a first of its kind ceremony between series regular characters on U.S. broadcast network television according to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).
Actor MacFarlane, who recently came out publicly, is the only out actor on the broadcast networks playing a gay character. He has been added to the cast of "Brothers & Sisters" as a series regular (good thing since he’s going to be Kevin’s husband).
There have been a few ceremonies between guest-starring gay couples on network television but this will mark the first time two series regulars will marry.
"We applaud ABC for highlighting Kevin and Scotty's declaration of commitment to each other in the presence of their family and friends," says GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano about the historic event. "Kevin and Scotty's ceremony reflects the ongoing commitment of 'Brothers & Sisters' and ABC to making visible the multi-dimensional lives of gay characters."
GLAAD has sent out a press release encouraging the media to use the television event as an opportunity to explore how a ceremonial wedding like Kevin and Scotty's does not provide gay couples with the legal protections that straight married couples have.
“For instance, the characters of Kevin and Scotty reside in California, which possesses one of the most comprehensive domestic partnership laws in the nation. However, California's domestic partners lack the federal protections that are provided to married straight couples, thus making it harder for committed gay couples to take care of and be responsible for each other,” GLAAD said in a release. “In addition, efforts are under way in California, Florida and Arizona to put measures on the November 8 ballot designed to deny gay couples the legal protections and security of marriage.”
Tennessee voters approved a constitutional amendment which denies the right of gay couples to marry or have a gay marriage recognized in the state.