New York, NY, February 17, 2011 – The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today applauded Facebook for adding 'In a Civil Union' and 'In a Domestic Partnership' options to user profiles. The option is now available for users in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Australia.

"Today, Facebook sent a clear message in support of gay and lesbian couples to users across the globe," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "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. 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."

GLAAD was among the organizations that met with Facebook to advocate for this change.

In October 2010, Facebook partnered with GLAAD and other national 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.

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