Posted on 02/05/2006 5:44:17 PM PST by Graybeard58
WATERBURY -- What Saint Mary's Hospital doctor Alan Couture wanted was a health insurance card for his life partner. What he may end up with, however, is a legal battle spelling out the rights granted homosexuals under the state's new civil union law.
Couture and his partner, Robert McDonald, joined in a civil union last October, the same month Connecticut adopted a law recognizing civil unions for homosexuals. But when Couture tried to add McDonald to the health insurance policy offered by Saint Mary's, he was turned down by hospital executives.
The couple's homosexual union contradicts the Catholic institution's moral code, they said. And they would not recognize it as a marriage.
On Thursday, Couture and McDonald filed a joint complaint of sexual discrimination and marital status discrimination with the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.
"The rights of homosexuals are one of the last clear bastions of civil rights, where people think it's OK to discriminate against people based on their (own) beliefs," said Dawne Westbrook, the attorney representing the couple. "They are saying 'we don't have to honor the state statute because we are Catholic.'"
Hospital spokespeople argue the state civil union's statute cannot compel them to cover McDonald because the hospital's insurance policy is entirely self funded. Otherwise, the hospital may have been compelled to cover McDonald.
Saint Mary's Hospital President and CEO Robert Ritz said despite its self-funding system, the hospital could have chosen to insure McDonald. It exercised its discretion not to cover him because the hospital doesn't recognize McDonald and Couture's union on moral grounds.
The hospital, which is affiliated with the Archdiocese of Hartford, also does not offer birth control or abortion services, he said.
"We are a Catholic hospital, as a result, we adhere to the church's teachings, principals and ethical directives," Ritz said. "We are looking at the needs of the organization to remain consistent with our own moral beliefs."
Ritz said the hospital consulted with lawyers, canon lawyers and ethicists before reaching a final decision.
Couture, 36, has worked at Saint Mary's for eight years and said he's never before run into discrimination of his openly gay lifestyle. He remains employed at the hospital and is happy with his coworkers and the working environment. Ritz described Couture as a valued and respected staff member.
It could be several months before the CHRO holds a hearing on the case, if at all. First, agency staff will review written briefs from both sides to determine if the case has merit.
Couture and McDonald, who live together in Wolcott, said they aren't looking for a cash settlement. As for the larger issue of gay rights, Couture said he was only looking for an insurance card, but would stick it out if the fight takes on broader dimensions.
"God gives you certain chores in life," Couture said. "He gave me the ability to cure and heal people. Maybe this is more important."
One for the list if you want it!
'Cause "Life Partner" is a lot funnier.
It's ALL about the money.
thanks!
By MICHAEL PUFFER says it all.
Hmmm... Interesting case, but I think that the hospital has the legal edge.
What's really funny is that the typical "life partner" checks out at around age 42, due to "lifestyle choices".
Of course, if it's Catholic, then bash it. The last socially acceptable prejudice.
Looks like a M.A. one as well. It's calculated to destroy religion and religious principles.
the catholic church is being taken down by homo issues in this country, as far as partners go, look at brokeback mountain, young people living together, no marriage no more responsibility. the 60's fixed us good, baby boomers will pay for this in their old age...
You've got that right pal. Its all about breaking todays health system by destroying health insurance paying for their AIDS ridden partners.
ping?
More about power than money. They and their assistants want to destroy every vestige of morality and religious expression. They're the ultimate JBT. [Jack Booted Thugs for young lurkers.] Is it a coincidence that Nazism and homoeroticism are inextricably linked?
The gay complaint? Isn't that fixed with a cork?
Uh... pretty arrogant to think YOU can heal people.
It's not just the Catholic church, it is any church that still stands on the values spelled out in the scriptures.
It's not just the Catholic church, it is any church that still stands on the values spelled out in the scriptures.
you're right, five just went down in the south, when do we wake up, we're good at drawing a line in the sand, and then another one & another one etc....
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