California
measure would help gay seniors

On Tuesday the California assembly committee on aging and long-term care approved a bill that would require the California Department of Aging to ensure that a variety programs and services targeted to elders also account for the needs of gay seniors. The measure passed on a 3-1 vote and will now move to the assembly committee on appropriations.

"LGBT seniors are denied many of the vital protections afforded by marriage that provide comfort and security in older age," said Seth Kilbourn, political director for the gay rights group Equality California. "This legislation will enhance California's ability to meet the unique challenges that face these individuals and that result from lifelong experiences of marginalization."

"California already leads the nation in protecting LGBT couples and families--it's time to focus our attention on our LGBT elders," said gay assemblyman Mark Leno of San Francisco. "By requiring the state to assess the unique challenges they face in their later years, we can better understand their needs and provide culturally competent and appropriate services." (The Advocate)