The push for additional legal rights for same-sex couples in the US state of Virginia has already started in 2008, with a bill being filed requesting that partners in same-sex relationships have more authority to make decisions in any medical emergency.

The bill was introduced on Tuesday by David Englin; a continual supporter of gay rights.

If the legislation passes, the Department of Health would be required to establish a secure registry that would enable patients to nominate a caregiver to access essential documents to assist in making decisions in the event of a medical emergency.

 “An advanced medical directive sitting in a shoebox somewhere where no one knows where it is doesn’t protect your legal rights,” Englin said to the Washington Blade, specifying that the bill is important to members of the gay community as they do not have “natural legal protections that come in a marriage relationship”.

The medical emergencies bill is the first of many to be reviewed in the state over coming months, with others including local governments offering health insurance benefits to same-sex couples, as well as prohibiting discrimination against gay people over housing decisions.

Tags: gay rights