Friday, October 24, 2003

Do you remember Sharon Kowalski? Years ago, her name was a rallying cry for people fighting for gay rights. Kowalski, suffering severe brain damage and other injuries after a car crash, was cared for by her partner, Karen Thompson, until Kowalski's parents interceded, first obtaining guardianship and then denying visitation rights to Thompson. (Thompson ultimately won guardianship of Kowalski.)

The solution to this problem was supposed to be legally recognized domestic partnership -- or gay marriage. But what's the point if theocrats believe they have blanket authority, granted by God, to usurp even lawfully wedded heterosexuals' right to speak for mentally impaired spouses?

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