A Statement from NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell

(Washington, D.C., April 15, 2010) — Today President Barack Obama ordered the Department of Health and Human Services to prohibit discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in hospital visitation. The new rule will grant hospital visitation rights to same-sex partners, and making it easier for LGBTQ people to make medical decisions on behalf of their partners.

A statement from Kate Kendell, Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights:

“There is perhaps no more appalling and heartbreaking story we hear than when the partner of an LGBTQ person is barred from being at the side of their loved one in the midst of a tragedy or serious illness. In life’s most harrowing moments, loved ones are separated at the most critical time of need. Quite literally long-term partners have been sitting in excruciating fear and frustration in a waiting room while the love of their life dies alone in a hospital room. This action by the Obama administration will put an end to this inhumanity and assure that partners can be at the bedside of those they love.”