President Obama Tells Federal Agency To Estabish Rule Barring Hospitals From Denying Visitation to Gay, Lesbian Partners

[Jess]

Originally Posted by MsDemeanor

I would counter that argument with the argument that it still requires non-married partners to 1) pay for a legal document and 2) have that document in their possession at all times. There is financial cost and an extra burden, neither of which are required for legally married persons (unless hospitals are asking to see folks' marriage licenses before letting them visit).

Absolutely agree. Sure would be easier if we could just get married.

I am not exactly sure how private businesses can be mandated when we are told that marriage would have to vary from state to state. Not sure if that made sense, but what I am trying to understand is how the government can make rules affecting private business when they supposedly can't even make a federal mandate for gay marriage.

I made mention on another thread that Obama should make a human rights amendment. I guess I should have worded it better to say that I wish he would PUSH for one. He certainly does have the right to submit legislature and use his presidential powers to "strongly encourage" passage of bills, legalese, etc. I may have liked it better when he was still going to his old church. The strongly opinionated pastor may have been an asshat, but that church supports gay marriage. It is my understanding that at some point after his election Mr. Obama made the statement that his religious beliefs do not allow for gay marriage. I know before election he seemed to be very pro- gay equal rights.

I fear like others, this being just another reason we "don't need gay marriage".

[MsDemeanor]

Originally Posted by Jess

I am not exactly sure how private businesses can be mandated when we are told that marriage would have to vary from state to state. Not sure if that made sense, but what I am trying to understand is how the government can make rules affecting private business when they supposedly can't even make a federal mandate for gay marriage.

The government isn't telling them how to run their business. They're telling them that if they want Medicare/Medicade money, these are the rules. It's kinda like when the feds told states that if they wanted federal money for their highways then they had to lower the speed limit. The states didn't have to lower the limit if they didn't want the money.

I think it's a neat way to handle the problem.

[SuperFemme]

Abolish DADT and DOMA and I'll call it a steak.