Pelavin: This step forward, not just in gay rights, but in human rights, recognizes the diversity of loving and committed relationships in every state.
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WASHINGTON, DC, April 16, 2010 - In response to President Obama's executive order requiring hospitals to grant visitation rights and the right to act as a legal surrogate to same-sex partners, Mark Pelavin, Associate Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
We welcome and celebrate President Obama's expansion of medical rights for same-sex couples.
President Obama's order effectively prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation with respect to hospital visitation, allowing gay and lesbian Americans to be present for their loved ones in their times of need and permitting them to act as a legal surrogate in the event that their partner is incapable. This step forward, not just in gay rights, but in human rights, recognizes the diversity of loving and committed relationships in every state.
