Doctor "following his beliefs" refuses to treat a child because of the way her parents looked. How's this story for faith inspired arrogance, prejudice and bigotry. Via evangelical right and KGET:
"A family is turned away by a local pediatrician, they say because of the way they look. The doctor said he is just following his beliefs, creating a Christian atmosphere for his patients. Tasha Childress said it’s discrimination.
She said Dr. Gary Merrill wouldn’t treat her daughter for an ear infection because Tasha, the mother, has tattoos.
The writing is on the wall--literally: “This is a private office. Appearance and behavior standards apply.”
For Dr. Gary Merrill of Christian Medical Services, that means no tattoos, body piercings, and a host of other requirements--all standards Merrill has set based upon his Christian faith.
“She had to go that entire night with her ear infection with no medicine because he has his policy,” Tasha Childress said.
Merrill
won’t speak on camera, but said based on his values and beliefs, he has
standards that
he expects in his office. He does that, he said, to
ensure the patients he does accept have a more comfortable atmosphere...
“I felt totally discriminated against, like I wasn’t good enough to talk to,” Tasha Childress said, “like he didn’t have to give me any reason for not wanting to see my daughter because I have tattoos and piercings.”
Childress who wants the policy changed immediately and an apology from the doctor for making her feel like an outsider.
“Really, it didn’t matter what he didn’t want to see us for. It isn’t right,” she said.
Merrill said he will continue to enforce the rules he has in place, which even include no chewing gum in his office.
He said if they don’t like his beliefs, they can find another doctor."
As much as I like these articles it's always nice to know WHERE this takes place. Without a location stories like this lose some vital information and also are much harder to verify.
Posted by: Martin Bentley | February 19, 2007 at 01:00 PM
That sounds about right for a Christian - but lets remember the underpinning philosophy of the British Labour movement owes more to methodism than marxism.
Posted by: Ian Thorpe | February 20, 2007 at 06:24 PM
What is the problem here ?? A doctor has the right to decide who comes to see him/her, and has the exclusive right to decide who to take onto their books. They can exclude smokers or heavy drinkers if they so wish.
Just as Bed and Breakfast owners shouldn't be forced to take couples that are gay, or have kids, or smoke, or all three, people should have freedom to make these decisions. As the guy says 'If they don't like the rules of this club, find another doctor.
Grow up.
Posted by: Bedd Gelert | February 20, 2007 at 07:18 PM
Bedd - thanks for that display of conservative englightenment and wit. I think most sane people are against open displays of prejudice and intolerance, particularly in essential services.
Posted by: The Labour Humanist | February 22, 2007 at 03:36 PM
Hi - we are Christians and belong to a Christian MC club. We have tattoos. It'sad that some 'Christians'have such extreme beliefs that they treat others as untouchable. thank God Jesus didn't feel that way! He ate with drunks and whores - all because he loved them and wanted them to love Him back. Glad he did or I would be an addicted (or dead) tattoeed person! I ask you all forgiveness for my 'so called brother in Christ' who did this to you. Gotta love him, but I don't like what he believes. It is an error.
Posted by: Denise | March 28, 2007 at 11:59 PM