Hospital Visitation Bill Introduced for 2008

Thanks to fairness leader Rep. Mary Lou Marzian of Louisville, the first piece of pro-fairness legislation has already entered the record. In November, Rep. Marzian pre-filed the Hospital Visitation bill (BR 489), a policy that would allow adult hospital patients to designate any other adult to be treated as family by hospital staff.

Hospital Visitation legislation is an important step on our journey toward a fair Kentucky for everyone. Its pre-filing means this will be the first time we have entered into a session with a pro-fairness bill on the books, thanks to Rep. Marzian.

The Kentucky Fairness Alliance is leading the fight for public policy that treats LGBT Kentuckians with dignity.

You can be a part of our historic effort by sharing your story.

We know all too well the draconian policies some hospitals use to define "family." KFA's Executive Director Christina Gilgor has introduced her partner as her sister, out of fear they would be separated by medical staff. Communication Director Misty York, a straight ally, has been forced to lie to hospital employees in order to visit the grandfather who raised her.

What about you? Have you ever been separated from a sick loved one because someone didn't consider you a family member? If so, please e-mail us. Our stories are crucial to advancing the Hospital Visitation bill through the legislature.

You can also add your name to the Thank You card for Rep. Marzian, which KFA will present to her at the start of the 2008 legislative session.

The Hospital Visitation bill will alleviate fear, keep families together at times of medical crisis, and save us from having to tell lies about our relationships. Keep your eyes on your email in the coming weeks, for more opportunities to support this vital proposal.