Originally posted by Kieran
Not to split hairs too much, but visitation in a hospital is hospital policy, not a "right".
Of course, and the definition of their policy is spouse and immediate family - children and parents.
A "gay" lover... doesn't fall into that category... neither does a boyfriend/girlfriend....
However, someone who really is a "spouse"... who is recognized by law as a legal spouse able to exercise power of attorney... etc... they would be allowed to visit.
the real issue is that there are gay couples already living in a manner that is "husband" and eh... "husband" ... "wife and wife"
They want the same legal rights afforded to people who are husband and wife. Nothing more... nothing less.
That includes the same privileges that private organizations afford married couples with in the same defines of the laws, state constitutions and federal law that forbids discrimination. For example, private establishments that are open to the public can't be exclude blacks, women, jews, the elderly, and homosexuals regardless of their services... ok may be a gynecologist might not perform a pelvic exame on a man who thinks he's a woman.
The question I have what does it matter to the conservative Christians what the gays do?
If two guys want to get married... it does no harm to any one... I know... homosexuality may be contageous.
Just like blood from black people will cause white people to turn black - don't want any of that darky blood!
The real agenda for Christians is that they think homosexuality is a sin, and if they could they would ban it and punish all the gays.
Which they have, sodomy laws, etc... and those have been repealed and declared unconstitutional - because well when you put on the unbiased hat - those laws were based on bigotry and hate, which is after all the foundation of judeo- Christianity. The Bible is full of hateful stories... it talks more about evil than it does about good things. it talks more of how to punish for failing to be good than rewards for trying to be good.
