I personally hate the term 'partner', my would-be husband has a business partner already, it's needlessly confusing. Spouse works for me though (although we're not legally married so perhaps not completely correct). Our current legal situation make terminology kind of a quagmire.
Wasn't the Stranger JUST having a hissy fit that a bill that said that the laws should be written as to be gender neutral might not pass? Now you're ALSO pitching a fit that the AP style should NOT be gender neutral when possible?
And to a greater question: Does anyone ACTUALLY give a shit if the describe their [person] as spouse rather than husband? IT'S LITERALLY A SEMANTIC DIFFERENCE.
@8 They aren't using "spouse". They are using "partner". A spouse is a member of a married couple while a partner is a generic term for relationships all the way from domestic partners down to middle school science class lab partners.
I think I am missing what the objection is here.
The AP said:
___________________
SAME-SEX COUPLES: We were asked how to report about same-sex couples who call themselves “husband” and “wife.” Our view is that such terms may be used in AP content if those involved have regularly used those terms (“Smith is survived by his husband, John Jones”) or in quotes attributed to them. Generally AP uses couples or partners to describe people in civil unions or same-sex marriages.
__________
They seem to be fine with husband and wife if that's how the folks refer to themselves, and couples or partners if it's unclear so as not to offend (in general).
Is the objection the the quotes around "husband" and "wife"?
Because I think that is to clarify that the same-sex couple does not call themselves "husband and wife," but rather husbands or wives.
If you're too squeamish to use "husband" or "wife".
And to a greater question: Does anyone ACTUALLY give a shit if the describe their [person] as spouse rather than husband? IT'S LITERALLY A SEMANTIC DIFFERENCE.
The AP said:
___________________
SAME-SEX COUPLES: We were asked how to report about same-sex couples who call themselves “husband” and “wife.” Our view is that such terms may be used in AP content if those involved have regularly used those terms (“Smith is survived by his husband, John Jones”) or in quotes attributed to them. Generally AP uses couples or partners to describe people in civil unions or same-sex marriages.
__________
They seem to be fine with husband and wife if that's how the folks refer to themselves, and couples or partners if it's unclear so as not to offend (in general).
Is the objection the the quotes around "husband" and "wife"?
Because I think that is to clarify that the same-sex couple does not call themselves "husband and wife," but rather husbands or wives.
Seriously, is there something I can take like Viagra when I can't get my outrage up?
Just lemme get spousal benefits and inheritance rights so I can look after my family, and I don't really give a damn what you call it.