New Jersey’s governor, Democrat Phil Murphy, has signed legislation that will protect LGBTQ+ and HIV positive seniors from prejudice and discrimination in long-term care facilities.
The historic new bill, called LGBTQI+ Senior Bill of Rights, will ban discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation and HIV status, and includes training for staff members on matters related to the LGBTQ+ community.
It also ensures that transgender residents will continue to receive the appropriate medical care, can use the bathroom they are most comfortable with, and that staff must respect a resident’s chosen name and pronouns.