New bill would protect LGBTQIA+ seniors in Nebraska

Protecting against discrimination from sexual orientation, gender identity, and HIV status

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN)- Right now there is nothing specific protecting elderly LGBTQ people in Nebraska when they enter a senior living facility.  One of the things this bill would do is make sure they are not discriminated against for their gender identity, sexual orientation, or HIV status.

“If you think about it, this generation they grew up through stonewall, the aids epidemic, marriage equality, and they were raised not to have a voice. So we really need to encourage this generation that now is your time you can speak out,” said Heather Holmes Owlish founder and executive director.

“It’s really dehumanizing not to be yourself,” said Abbi Swatsworth of OutNebraska.

Fear, it’s something many LGBTQ individuals share when they think about entering a nursing home.

“One, when we get to the nursing home, we want to know that we are valued, we want to know that we are safe. It’s pretty simple,” said Gary Hansum, a supporter of senior LGBTQ rights.

No specific examples of this kind of discrimination were given from Nebraska facilities.

“This is preventative in Nebraska. We can get an anti-discrimination bill on the record before we have big lawsuits,” said Holmes.

Nationwide, special LGBTQ living options are becoming more common.

“We don’t have that here in Nebraska and it’s generally very expensive and difficult to get into a long-term care facility that is specifically for LGBTQ people,” said Senator Megan Hunt.

A pastor and supporter of this idea felt that religion should not hinder the outcome of this bill.

“Anticipation that there will be opposition to this that will try to site the faith as a way to maybe leave the door open for discrimination that may or may not be happening currently and I would strongly discourage you from accepting that as a valid reason,” said Pastor Jake Owens.

Though, there was some opposition, reporting it would cause more work for facilities and inspectors.

“DHHS opposes LB1136 due to the impact of the provisions of the bill which would require a facility to keep admission records for a resident that includes the resident’s gender identity, preferred name, and preferred pronouns,” said Becky Wisell Deputy director DHHS division of public health.

While Senator Megan Hunt feels it only impacts the LGBTQ community.

“This is just another one of those policies that for people it doesn’t affect, it doesn’t affect them it doesn’t mean anything it really won’t impact their life at all. But for the people who it does affect, it matters a great deal,” said Senator Hunt.

This bill must first be passed by the committee before it can hit the floor for debate.