PALO ALTO, CA – Social networking giant, Facebook, added “civil union” and “domestic partnership” to options in setting up user profiles.

“Today, Facebook sent a clear message in suppor t of gay and lesbian couples to users across the globe,” said Jar rett Barrios, President of Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). “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 cou- Facebook Adds Ne w Options to User Profiles ples 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 national LGBT organizations to create a “Network of Support,” an educational initiative that works to combat anti-LGBT cyber-bullying. GLAAD also worked with Facebook to reshape the way that the site responds to hateful, anti-LGBT comments posted on public pages.

Facebook claims over 600-million users worldwide.