Doctor harasses lesbian patient over sexuality

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • February 6, 2006 - 0:00

A lesbian patient went to her doctor for a routine checkup but returned home with materials criticising her lifestyle

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The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association this week condemned a surgery who allegedly harassed a lesbian patient in his surgery.

They claim a Florida medical office gave a lesbian patient material describing homosexuality as "sinful" and "sexually impure" and advising her to change her sexuality.

The patient, Jamie Beiler, was leaving the office of Dr. John R. Hartman and Dawn Pope-Wright, a physicians assistant, in Kissimmee, Florida, on March 11, 2005 after a follow-up visit for bbronchitis, where she was given the materials. .

The case came to light when Ms Beiler contacted the Mautner Project. Southern Legal Counsel (SLC) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) filed complaints on behalf of Ms. Beiler earlier this week with the Florida Department of Health against Dr. Hartman and Ms. Pope-Wright.

GLMA President, Joel Ginsberg said: "GLMA urges the Florida Department of Health and CIGNA Healthcare of Florida to investigate this matter thoroughly and to affirm the right of LGBT persons to receive health care free of harassment."

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