Virginia is a Dangerous Place for Gays and Lesbians

So far this year I have undergone two surgeries. Fortunately both were successful, and I am well on the way to recovery. I have a great deal to be thankful for regarding my care. I am thankful that a great medical team at a leading hospital, Duke University Hospital, treated me. I am thankful that I have insurance to help with the cost of my recovery. I am also thankful that I don’t live in Virginia anymore and that I didn’t seek medical care in that state. As a matter of fact, I would advise gays and lesbians to avoid travel in Virginia. Traveling to the state can place same-sex couples at considerable risk after July 1, 2004.

One of the greatest things about my medical treatment is that I am allowed to give my same-sex partner medical power of attorney that approximates treating us as a married couple. My chart at Duke lists me as married to my same-sex partner. This shows a great compassion for sexual minorities by the hospital. My husband was included in all the discussions about my care. Following each surgery, the doctor reported the results to him while I was still in recovery. Had something gone wrong, my husband would have been able to stay at my side, make decisions, and be treated the same as my family. The shame is that each state has its own paperwork for medical power of attorney and this is not a freedom that can be taken from one state to another in an emergency.

Virginia lawmakers have gone one step backward. They have outlawed any "partnership or other arrangements that purport to provide the benefits of marriage." Starting July 1, 2004 same-sex couples cannot give power of attorney to their partner, make custody decisions, estate planning decisions, and other benefits sexual minorities have struggled to obtain unless the law is successfully overturned in court. The legislature passed the law with a high enough majority that Governor Warner can’t even veto it.

Obviously those in power in Virginia do not want gays and lesbians to have equality in their relationships. Interestingly, this is the same state where Pat Robertson’s 700 Club originates, and where Robertson’s Christian Coalition has a strong influence in the Republican Party. On a recent television program a viewer asked Robertson for advice about what he perceived as possible sexual advances by a gay co-worker. Since he seems to think he is an expert on everything, Robertson responded that the man should not report the man for sexual harassment, but instead give him "a quick jab to the solar plexus." Pat Robertson supports violence against homosexuals, simply for being homosexual. This quick jab can lead to death. Jesus told us to turn the other cheek when struck, Robertson says strike first because you will be made fun of if you report the incident and it is the only solution to homosexuals in the workplace.

I don’t know where Pat Robertson has been for the last fifty years, but employers take any complaint about sexual harassment seriously due to possible liability. Sexual interest or advances are not against the law yet, unless the person has said they aren’t interested before the incident, or the seeker is in a position of power above the one being sought. A better problem solving solution would be what Jesus said to do. Talk to him. If it was an actual sexual advance, all the man would have to do is explain that he isn’t interested and most likely the issue would be over. If not, he can take it up the chain of supervision in the company for resolution. Jesus has a very different view of life than people like Pat Robertson who claim to speak for God.

Thank God I don’t live in Virginia. Those who do live in Virginia need the support of all of the rest of us in order to help overcome this wicked attack on freedom. Everyone needs to be vigilant unless a law just like this one is passed in our state as well. Those in Virginia who work for Pat Robertson need our serious prayers, lest they get a fatal "quick jab to the solar plexus" from an unexpected place.

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Robert Buchanan is a minister of the Ecumenical Catholic Church and a psychotherapist who lives with his partner of many years in Durham North Carolina.  He is the author of  Love, Honor & Respect: How to Confront Homosexual Bias in Christian Culture and serves as director of the Institute for Inclusive Christianity. a training program for ministers and clergy who do not discriminate against gays, lesbians, bisexuals, or because of financial, familial or social status.  Additional resources for inclusive Christians can be found at our Resources page.

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Last modified: 07/09/05