Gay spouse forcibly removed from Kansas City MO hospital

Last Tuesday the improper arrest of Roger Gorley from Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo was discussed on nearly every blog I read.  For those who may have missed this story, Roger was forcibly removed and taken away in handcuffs because he would not leave the hospital bed where his partner (Allen) was resting when Allen’s brother told a nurse he didn’t want Roger at the hospital.  The truly troubling part to this story, that chills me to the bone, is Allen had previously indicated he wanted Roger there.  According to reports the nurse didn’t confirm the couple shared power of attorney and made medical decision for each other before calling the police.

For those who rightfully so feel optimistic with the result of recent elections to recognize same sex marriage and the attention received from the US Supreme Court arguments in the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8 in CA, take heed that we’d be better to press our advantage and seek to build our momentum  than become complacent. What happened to Roger and Allen could just as easily happen to anyone of us – and you’re fooling yourself if you think otherwise.  You can read more about this horrifying story on AmericaBlog.