Mar 29, 2007 8:59 pm US/Central
Hospital Visitation For Gay Partners Considered
by Esme Murphy
Minneapolis (WCCO) ―
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Gay rights groups contend it isn't about gay marriage, but support at a critical time.
Being able to visit a loved one in a hospital is something many can take for granted. Gay partners say they can be denied access to their partners in critical situations.
A Senate committee will soon consider a new law that would guarantee that access at all hospitals.
"When someone takes their partner to the emergency room and they're asked 'what's your relationship to this person?' and they respond 'I'm their partner' and the nurse puts up her hand and says stop, your not family. You can't go beyond this door," said Ann DeGroot, who represents the gay rights group Out Front Minnesota.
Conservative groups are fighting the proposal. Their concern is not about visitation, but putting anything into law that acknowledges same sex partnerships.
"What we object to is the creation of these domestic partner statuses, which is really marriage by another name and that's what we see they are attempting to do", said Tom Prichard of the Minnesota Family Council.
Gay rights groups contend it isn't about gay marriage, but support at a critical time.
"This is just a bill that has to do with something that we know could make people's lives better", DeGroot said.
The bill still needs to be passed by the House and Senate.
Allina Hospitals, HCMC and Regions Hospital all allow gay partners to visit loved ones.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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