Gottheimer, Craig Introduce New Legislation to Protect Elderly LGBTQ+ Population

Coordinates federal government response to LGBTQ+ elder abuse

Endorsed by Garden State Equality, SAGE, Human Rights Campaign

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Angie Craig (MN-2), introduced legislation to protect elderly LGBTQ+ community members. The Elder Pride Protection Act will create a task force at the Department of Justice, focused on combating rising abuse against elderly LGBTQ+ Americans.

The full text of the Elder Pride Protection Act can be found here.

Gottheimer developed the idea for this legislation at his annual LGBTQ+ stakeholder roundtable. This commonsense, critical legislation responds to the nationwide trend of LGBTQ+ elder harassment and abuse. According to SAGE, LGBTQ+ elders are far more likely than their heterosexual peers to have faced discrimination, social stigma, prejudice, and therefore, poorer economic and health outcomes.

“I’m proud to introduce my new legislation, the Elder Pride Protection Act, that I’m leading with Congresswoman Angie Craig of Minnesota. This critical, commonsense bill will create a task force at the Department of Justice, focused on targeting rising abuse against elderly LGBTQ+ Americans,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), a member of the Equality Caucus. “No one should ever be mistreated on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity, especially our vulnerable elderly populations. This legislation is a critical step in coordinating our response to this runaway abuse at the federal level.”

“LGBTQ+ seniors paved the way for so many of the rights we have today, and they’re a vital part of our communities in Minnesota,” said Representative Angie Craig (MN-2), Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus. “I’m working to pass the Elder Pride Protection Act to help empower LGBTQ+ seniors and combat any abuse they might face.”

“Garden State Equality applauds the commitment made by Congressman Gottheimer and Congresswoman Craig in introducing The Elder Pride Protection Act.  For too long, elder abuse of our older LGBTQ adults has gone un- or under- reported. The establishment of this Task Force will help bridge the gap experienced by our LGBTQ Elders. The work of this Task Force, particularly the creation of uniform procedures and communication between State and Federal agencies, will be formative in combating the abuse and neglect of LGBTQ Elders and is critical in creating true lived equality for all Americans,” said Garden State Equality.

“SAGE is proud to support the Elder Pride Protection Act of 2024,” said SAGE’s Managing Director of Government Affairs & Policy Advocacy Aaron Tax. “LGBTQ+ elders deserve to age without fear of elder abuse. We applaud Rep. Gottheimer for championing the establishment of this important task force, which we hope will improve the lives of LGBTQ+ older people.”

“Everyone deserves a life lived with dignity. The Elder Pride Protection Act of 2024 is a crucial step in safeguarding the dignity and well-being of LGBTQI+ elders. By establishing the ELDER Task Force, this country has the chance to affirm its commitment to addressing and preventing the abuse that this community faces all too often. Congress should pass this bill and send a message that they are dedicated to ensuring every elder can live free from fear and harm.” said Human Rights Campaign Vice President for Government Affairs David Stacy.

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