there are some UPDATES on the Santiago story about her not being released to partner

[seabeyond]

NOTE: This story has been updated to include the information that Santiago's aunt will be allowed to claim the body.

UPDATE: Alfarena Ballew from the Marion County Coroner's office called to offer this statement, "Her friend and her aunt are working together with the life partner to take care of the remains. We have nothing in writing from the partner asking to claim the body. Our records show that the next of kin is her aunt. Our understanding now is that they're all working together to release the body and take care of the services." Ms. Ballew described the incident as a "misunderstanding" and says the office is on track to release the body shortly.

UPDATE 2: The organization Santiago was a board member of, Amigas Latinas, has put out this statement:


Amig@s. We've seen a few posts asking folks to call the media because of a claim that Alisha's wishes aren't being respected because the tragedy took place in Indiana. This is NOT TRUE! We appreciate the passion for equality and justice on behalf of these mujeres, but everyone has been working together to honor Christina Santiago. Please intervene if you see this news...

A commenter on the post says she is afraid she misspoke to the media. I did not speak to this person for my story.


http://www.bilerico.com/2011/08/indy_coroner_wont_release_body_to_lesbians_partner.php?utm_source=feedburner&

[Zenlitened]

1. K&R, with some relief. Although...

...one's life partner would be one's legal next of kin if marriage equality were the law of the land.

[seabeyond]

2. i am so with you on this and agree totally. it should just be. and this is an

event to remind and spur all of us on.

[Mimosa]

8. Everybody -married or not- needs to do a living will (just in case)

The same kind of situation could happen to a man and a woman who aren't married but live together.

[LeftyMom]

9. Some states have laws forbidding contracts between same sex couples

which attempt to create the same protections as marriage. So in one of those states one could grant permission to their sibling, friend or neighbor to deal with their body, but not their same-sex partner.

Nothing short of marriage, honored by all states as straight marriages are, will offer lgbt couples full equality under the law.

[Mimosa]

11. Check link for 'designated beneficiary' rights

LeftyMom, IKWYM, but adults all need to find out what the laws are and plan for the unexpected. I think most of us, sexual orientation or economic status notwithstanding, seriously procrastinate when it comes to making or updating legal wills.

Regardless of marriage situation, gender or sexual orientation there are still ways to plan for the unexpected. Here's a state by state rundown:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage_law_in_the_United_States_by_state

[seabeyond]

13. seriously procrasinate. and i am getting old with kids.... nt

[yardwork]

3. See my response in the thread that I started. The coroner's office does not recognize their marriage

Referring to the surviving spouse as a "life partner" is wrong. They were legally married. It's a good thing that the aunt who is recognized as "next of kin" by the bigoted state of Indiana appears to be being reasonable, but that's no thanks to the state. The next of kin is the deceased's spouse.

[seabeyond]

4. agree. but i dont know all the ends and out

in this situation and wanted people to see the updates.

[cwydro]

5. Well, we don't know all the facts...

She may have her aunt listed as "next of kin" on all her employment paperwork etc.

I never changed my mom as being my next of kin, even when I've been in relationships.

[yardwork]

6. We have the County Coroner quoted as calling her her "life partner." That is incorrect.

She is her wife.

[ChandlerJr]

7. Do we know how the coroner was made aware of that?

[LeftyMom]

10. WIFE. Her body was not released to her WIFE.

Her aunt could claim the body, but not her LAWFULLY WEDDED WIFE. Because of DOMA.

Stop carrying water for bigots.

[seabeyond]

12. i am sure Amigas Latinas will appreciate you calling them a bigot.

i was looking for the petition to sign, and found updates. i thought people would be interested. i was concerned and glad i read the updates. that doesnt take away from this event highlighting the issue when marriage isnt honored for all people adn the results of that.