Santa Monica, CA -- While the country is up in arms over gay marriage rights, a psychologist wants the U.S. to be mindful of "Paranormal Rights."

Psychologist Catherine Cardinal claims that psychologists are dismissing patients who believe in the paranormal as schizophrenics or sufferers of multiple personality disorder.

She says that instead of respecting people's experiences "you get a system that's medicating people into a box."

Cardinal once had her own paranormal experience. She was driving without her seat belt when she heard a voice out of thin air that reminded her to wear her seat belt. She out her belt on, and seconds later she was struck by a drunk driver.

She never heard voices again, but says some people hear them regularly.

That's why she wants to see psychologists develop a criteria to "determine if it's a talent or if it's pathology."

Solve puzzles and create your dream aquarium! Search through a dazzling trip down memory lane.

More Weird News From 2004-04-02 The day's offbeat stories from around the world. • Around The Weird: Bizarre News Briefs • Flash Lites: Rip 'N' Read Pop Culture Recap • Survey Grills Americans On BBQ Habits • Brace Yourself: It's 'National Facial Protection Month' • Voters Want Kerry To Pick Edwards As V.P. Nominee • Internet Geeks Forking Over Big Bucks For Virtual Land • The Tongue Is In Cheek At The Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Tongues • Dogs Jump On Low-Carb Craze • Toilet Time Is Meditation Time • Lifestyles Of The Rich And Awake • Psychologist Campaigns For Paranormal Rights   « Current Weird News Stories