California LGBT Elders Bill of Rights

California Governor Jerry Brown has signed a bill that creates a “bill of rights” for LGBTQ seniors in long-term care. Senate Bill (SB) 219 was authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) & sponsored by Equality California. This bill will help protect seniors from discrimination or mistreatment in long-term care facilities. Senator Wiener stated, “Our LGBT seniors built the modern LGBT community & led the fight for so many of the rights our community takes for granted today. It is our duty to make sure they can age with the dignity & respect they deserve. I want to thank Governor Brown for joining our coalition in supporting this bill, which will make a real difference in people’s lives. The LGBT Senior Bill of Rights is an important step in our fight to ensure all people are treated equally regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.” Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California concluded, “LGBTQ seniors fought some of the first & most difficult battles for LGBTQ civil rights & deserve our protection. Many of our elders have no children or other family members to care for them & are especially vulnerable to abuse or neglect in long-term care. SB 219 will help ensure that care facilities provide culturally-competent care.” SB 219 was sponsored by Equality California & supported by the American Civil Liberties Union, APLA Health, California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, Justice in Aging, FORGE, the California chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, National Center for Lesbian Rights, National Center for Transgender Equality, San Francisco Human Rights Commission, the Source LGBT + Center & the Transgender Law Center.
For More Info: eqca.org
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