It's bad enough that many institutions in our society won't recognize a loving relationship unless you have a permission slip from the state, but when the state refuses to issue those permission slips to same-sex couples, here's what happens: Lisa Pond died alone in a strange city while bigoted hospital staff kept Janice Langbehn, her partner of 18 years, and their kids away from her. And despite the fact that Janice had durable Power of Attorney and Living Will documents showing her legal authority to make end-of-life decisions for Lisa, the courts have approved Jackson Memorial Hospital's actions.