WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Angie Craig (D-MN) have reintroduced the Elder Pride Protection Act, a bill aimed at addressing harassment and abuse against LGBTQ+ seniors. The legislation would establish a Department of Justice task force to investigate and respond to abuse targeting elderly individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.
Supporters of the bill cite growing concerns over mistreatment of LGBTQ+ seniors, who often face social isolation and are more likely than their peers to experience discrimination, poorer health outcomes, and economic instability.
“No one, especially our vulnerable seniors, should ever be mistreated because of who they are or who they love,” Gottheimer said in a statement. “Equality shouldn’t be a partisan issue — it’s an American one.”
Craig echoed that sentiment, highlighting the legacy of LGBTQ+ elders. “Now it’s our turn to fight for them,” she said. “This legislation will help ensure LGBTQ+ seniors are protected from discrimination and abuse as they age.”
The legislation has drawn support from advocacy organizations including SAGE and Garden State Equality. SAGE’s Managing Director of Government Affairs, Aaron Tax, emphasized the urgency of action. “Now more than ever, LGBTQ+ elders deserve to age without fear of elder abuse,” Tax said.
John Juska of Garden State Equality described the measure as a needed step to ensure uniform procedures at the state and federal levels. “In this chapter, we deserve safety. We deserve peace,” Juska said.
The bill is co-sponsored by more than a dozen House members and follows input from LGBTQ+ stakeholders and advocacy groups. The proposal comes amid broader national discussions around elder care, aging policies, and protections for marginalized populations.
