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(Helena, Montana) The Montana Senate has passed a
bill that could allow limited rights to same-sex couples. The measure
would create a statewide registry where people could designate their next of
kin.
Although the legislation does not specifically
mention gay and lesbian couples it was assailed by opponents as being pro gay.
The bill would allow people in relationships to name their partners as next of
kin, regardless of sexuality. Single people could also take advantage of it by
naming a relative, friend or caregiver.
The measure gives the next of kin the right to hospital visits, the
right to make medical decisions and also allows them to receive the dead
person's remains. It provides an easy mechanism so that a lawyer is not
needed.
Supporters of the bill stressed the advantages it
would provide the elderly, the ailing and the disabled.
"I think it's got a much broader impact than gay-rights
legislation," Sen. Jon Ellingson (D-Missoula) told the Billings Gazette after the debate.
"This is a simple bill that allows folks, whether they're married or
single, to manage their personal affairs."
The legislation now heads to the house.
The legislature is also considering two other
bills that affect the LGBT community. The House is looking at a proposal to
create a civil unions registry, while the Senate is considering a bill that
would ban discrimination against gays.
©365Gay.com 2005
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