Openly lesbian California state Senator Carole Migden passed a bill through the California legislature that will protect LGBT seniors in care facilities and nursing homes. Senate Bill 1729 will help create unbiased environments by requiring licensed health care professionals who have constant interaction with seniors to participate in a training program that focuses on preventing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

“No senior should be denied the care they need or forced to face indignities because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Sen. Migden. “I applaud my colleagues in the Legislature for passing this important legislation that will help foster respect for all seniors in care facilities who rely on the support of others for some of their most basic needs.”

Equality California reports:

Basic rights, such as the choice to live in the same nursing home with a partner and the right to hospital visitation are routinely denied to same-gender couples in older age, according to a 2000 study from the Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. The study also shows that same-gender partners lack essential protections, including Medicaid benefits and access to pensions, which typically protect the homes and retirement funds of surviving spouses who are married.

…

“For many seniors, life in a care facility can be lonely and isolating,” said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors. “This experience is often exacerbated for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender seniors when they face homophobia and bias that may restrict their access to essential services, programs and activities. This measure will proactively create a culture of respect and understanding for seniors living in care facilities. Thanks to the support of our legislators, we are one step closer to ensuring that all California seniors are treated fairly and can grow older with dignity and respect.”

Among the celebrants of yesterday’s California Supreme Court ruling are the state’s five openly gay legislators.

Yesterday, two-time marriage bill sponsor Mark Leno released a statement praising the justices’ decision. Now, the other lawmakers are chiming in.

State Sen. Sheila Kuehl told The Advocate:

About one minute to 10 a.m., people started gathering around my desk, and when we were able to get the document, we started going through [Chief Justice Ronald] George’s opinion. Then at about 11 a.m., the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee was on the phone with Justice George, and so I got a chance to get on the phone with him and I got to thank him. Then, Justice Joyce Kennedy was in the building, speaking in favor of an appointment nominee, so I went down to the chambers and spoke with her too.

This must be particularly gratifying after the state legislature passed a marriage bill twice only to be vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger both times. I thought it was generous and wonderful of the governor that literally 10 minutes after the opinion was announced, he issued a statement backing the opinion of the court. He said that he would uphold the opinion, and he said he would come out in opposition to any attempts to strike it down.

State Sen. Carole Migden released a statement declaring:

This is one fine day that believers always knew was coming. We applaud the good sense and legal fairness of our very well-educated and open-minded California Supreme Court. LGBT people will long herald this moment as an obliteration of old ideas and the birth of a new day of sunshine.

Assemblymember John Laird also released a statement:

Today the California Supreme Court took an important and historic step forward for equality for all Californians. As an Assemblymember and chair of the legislature’s LGBT Caucus, I’m thrilled with this morning’s court ruling because it is a victory for fairness and opportunity in California.

Clearly, today is a day to celebrate. Two people in a committed and trusting relationship deserve the opportunity for dignity and support that come with marriage. But we must also stay focused on the struggle to maintain the rights that have now been validated by the state Supreme Court. The momentum generated today will be needed to stop the ballot measure that may be on this November’s ballot.

The Court did its job today, ensuring that all Californians are treated fairly and equally under the law.