gay marriage has been a hot topic in the media recently.
however, with the logistics of marriage aside, we cannot get over the fact that the institution of marriage (no matter how lame, or rooted in religious doctrine) has its benefits. one of them being the ability to see, and tend to your partner when they are ill. Janice Langbehn understands this first hand. Janice’s partner Lisa died in the hospital after being together with her for 18 years. At the age of 39, Lisa died without being able to see her partner or the adopted children her and Janice shared together.
“The case, now the subject of a federal lawsuit in Florida, is being watched by gay rights groups, which say same-sex partners often report being excluded from a patient’s room because they aren’t “real” family members.”
Hold up, Hold up.
It’s our opinion that “family” should not be restricted to those that are related to you by blood - but to those that are closest to you; and to those that have been there for you in the times when you have needed them. Who, regardless of of DNA love you with no borders and would essentially give their lives for you. right? like, love has no boundaries or borders…and we are not limited by our bloodlines.
Because of this notion of family, it is hard to grasp the fact that two people could be in love…with children (!!) and the hospital NOT acknowledge their love. for real? love has no borders, B.
The new york times covers the story of Janice & Lisa and the tragic results of the restrictions placed on them because of gender and sexual orientation. Whether you believe in the validity of marriage or not, we believe that ALL people (regardless of sexual orientaion and/or expression) have the right to basic human rights - without restriction.
In her lawsuit, Ms. Langbehn is being represented by Lambda Legal, a gay rights group. “We want to send a message to hospitals,” said Beth Littrell, a lawyer for the group. “If they don’t treat families as such, if they don’t let patients define their own circle of intimacy and give them the dignity and care to be with their loved ones in this sort of crisis, then they will be held accountable.”
we may be preaching to the choir here, but we needed to get that out. word.
