Personal Preference

Is This Discrimination?

  • Depends on how you/we define discrimination.
    • Yes, it’s legal to conscientiously refuse care to LGBTQ+ individuals in some states. AND many perceive this refusal as discrimination.
      • Think of Whites Only signs at restaurants in the 1950’s. Legal actions can still be discriminatory.
  • Provider-centered definition holds that it is discrimination when providers are required to treat LGBTQ+ patients despite such treatment conflicting with their conscience.
  • Patient-centered definition holds that permitting providers to turn away LGBTQ+ patients based on their identity is discrimination.
  • Which definition makes the most sense to you? Judge for yourself.