Anderson Cooper talked about President Obama's recent order for all hospitals to allow gay spouses to visit their dying partners last night. The move was brought about after the activism of Janice Langbehn, who was denied the right to see her partner as she lay dying in a Florida hospital.
The story is really pretty enraging, so I'm glad President Obama listened and did something about it. He even called Janice, and you can hear what he said to her in this clip from AC 360.
– Andy
For the clip, follow the JUMP:
I, personally, am glad that we’re finally being given some recognition for this story. It really pissed me off when I heard about the woman not being let see her partner.
I hope it is not based on a question that you get asked in hospital … as some patients may not be able to express their desires. The presentation of a legal document such as power of attorney should be sufficient / marriage certificate if ever / partnership document should be sufficient – or at least a phone call to family. In Janice’s case they had to wait until her partners sister arrived at the hospital … they could have asked her on the phone, and sorted it all out then and there.
Hearing what happened to this family makes me so angry. All I can say is fuck them and their hospital.
This kind of story has to be used as a classic example of why gay people should be allowed to be married.
I wish gay activists in Florida would come down on this hospital. What a terrible thing to happen to these people.
Does this mean Obama gets a point in his plus column? conservatives will probably try to spin this into something negative he can be blamed for.
There is a poll on CNN asking:
What do you think of President Obama’s order to allow hospital visitation rights for gay and lesbian partners?
Agree 87% 228600
Disagree 13% 35120
Total votes: 263720
What in the hell is wrong with those 13%??
Americans are just viciously mean people. It is a shame.
A long time coming and sad that he HAD to do it at all.
I still feel this is avoiding the “gay issue” because this ruling is saying the patient can decided who is allowed to visit them. It isn’t specifically saying “gay/lesbian partners” are being allowed in. I also agree with Alan’s comment regarding what happens when the patient is unable to state who they want to visit them. It is a step in the right direction though.
About time he does something right for us!