If you want to complain about this...

... then just go ahead and legalize gay marriage. Then this won't even be an issue.

President Obama on Thursday ordered his health secretary to issue new rules aimed at granting hospital visitation rights to same-sex partners, and making it easier for gays and lesbians to make medical decisions on behalf of their partners...

“Every day, all across America, patients are denied the kindness and caring of a loved one at their sides,” Mr. Obama said in the memorandum, adding that the rules could also help widows and widowers who rely on friends and members of religious orders who care for each other. But he say gays and lesbians are “uniquely affected” because they are often barred from visiting partners with whom they have spent decades.

Several states have tried to put an end to discrimination against same-sex couples, and Mr. Obama said he intended to build on those efforts. He said the new rules will make clear that designated visitors should enjoy visiting privileges that are no more restrictive than those enjoyed by immediate family members.

But as awesome (not to mention LATE) as this is, it is nowhere near the equity that gay couples deserve. If one chooses to commit to spend his or her life with a gay partner, that partner should be allowed to act as next-of-kin in medical cases. Just as a husband is typically given the right to make medical decisions on behalf of his wife if she is unable to, the same trust and power should be granted to gay couples.