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

Heart · 04-17-2010, 06:04 AM

Despite the loonies, the conservatives and Repubs are offering little objection to this policy and it enjoys broad public support - as it should. But what that means is that Obama is taking the least controversial path when it comes to the rights of lgbtq people. I think this move actually signals his ongoing lack of support for same-sex marriage.

Bit · 04-17-2010, 10:19 AM

I think it enjoys such broad public support because it doesn't just apply to us, but to all patients. It clearly says that "patients" will have the right to designate visitors, whether those visitors are blood relatives or not--and believe me, straight people in long-term unmarried relationships can have the same problems we have (being kept away from their partners in the hospital) if the partners' families object. I've known some straight people who were pretty badly traumatized by that.

What the long-term ramifications of this legal action will be for our community, I don't know. I do think it establishes a legal precedent both for patients' rights and for all patients being equal. Here's hoping it sets a precedent for all people being equal in other legal ways as well!

Jess · 04-19-2010, 02:53 AM

Cross posting this on same sex marriage updates.... I think it is very important for us to realize that until we really are treated "equally", this sort of thing can and will continue to happen.

http://www.bilerico.com/2010/04/sono...couple_and.php

04-19-2010, 02:53 AM	#3
Jess Timed Out - Permanent How Do You Identify?: decidedly indifferent Preferred Pronoun?: other Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Patrick Springs, VA Posts: 2,812 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,247 Thanked 5,700 Times in 1,682 Posts Rep Power: 0	Why only marriage will protect us... Cross posting this on same sex marriage updates.... I think it is very important for us to realize that until we really are treated "equally", this sort of thing can and will continue to happen. http://www.bilerico.com/2010/04/sono...couple_and.php

04-17-2010, 06:04 AM	#1
Heart Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Relationship Status: rainbows! Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: NY Posts: 466 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 303 Thanked 2,522 Times in 409 Posts Rep Power: 12032610	Despite the loonies, the conservatives and Repubs are offering little objection to this policy and it enjoys broad public support - as it should. But what that means is that Obama is taking the least controversial path when it comes to the rights of lgbtq people. I think this move actually signals his ongoing lack of support for same-sex marriage.

04-17-2010, 10:19 AM	#2
Bit Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Stonefemme Relationship Status: married to Gryph Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 2,177 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,126 Thanked 3,770 Times in 1,264 Posts Rep Power: 10778870	I think it enjoys such broad public support because it doesn't just apply to us, but to all patients. It clearly says that "patients" will have the right to designate visitors, whether those visitors are blood relatives or not--and believe me, straight people in long-term unmarried relationships can have the same problems we have (being kept away from their partners in the hospital) if the partners' families object. I've known some straight people who were pretty badly traumatized by that. What the long-term ramifications of this legal action will be for our community, I don't know. I do think it establishes a legal precedent both for patients' rights and for all patients being equal. Here's hoping it sets a precedent for all people being equal in other legal ways as well!