Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

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Contentious Kiss Off moves location

It looks like the Valentine's Day spirit at Z104 will include same-sex couples after all.

A day after the local radio station revealed a rule prohibiting same-sex couples from participating in its second-annual Kiss Off Contest, representatives announced the rule has been changed.

But this change in rules requires a change in venue.

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The station originally planned to hold Saturday's contest at West Towne Mall in front of the Boston Store, but officials from the mall denied changing the contest rules. Because of this, Z104 has moved the contest location to its broadcasting studios.

"After hearing from our listeners, a change of venue would be best suited," Z104 representative Mike Ferris said. "And the contest will be open to everyone."

Additionally, Ferris said the ban of same-sex couples should not have been allowed in the first place.

"It wasn't intended for our policy to exclude people from this contest based on their sexual orientation," Ferris said. "We apologize to everyone that may have been offended."

The University of Wisconsin's Campus Women's Center had planned a protest against the contest, but called it off after Z104 nixed the ban on same-sex couples.

The center's Publicity Coordinator Stephanie Halfmann said she found out about the decision on the radio station's website, and plans to give positive feedback to the station.

"We were happy that Z104 made the right decision and decided to eliminate the rule," she said. "I would call this a success on part of the Women's Center."

Halfmann however, expressed regret over the change in location, adding this says something about the mall's values.

West Towne Mall General Manager Paul Matyas denied commenting on the rules and the recent location change.

"This is a sensitive issue with everyone," he said. "But West Towne is a commercial retail center and remains neutral in regards to this issue."

Overall, Halfmann said she was impressed with the support the organization received from students and the Madison community.

"If Madison wasn't liberal as everybody thinks it is, this wouldn't have been brought up," she added.

Halfmann said this incident is only one of many equality issues the campus can work to improve, but was "grateful" about the support.

"I'm glad that this generated a lot of buzz around campus," she said. "It makes me feel comforted that Madison will rally behind them get behind issues like this."

The Kiss Off will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday outside Z104's studios on 2651 South Fish Hatchery Rd.

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