Justice Department finds Utah prison discriminated against transgender inmate

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The Justice Department has found that the Utah Department of Corrections discriminated against a transgender inmate by repeatedly denying her equal access to healthcare services, resulting in the inmate performing dangerous surgery on herself due to worsening gender dysphoria.

 

The investigation was prompted by a complaint from the transgender inmate, who accused the state of denying her proper medical care. The Justice Department's probe concluded that the state failed to provide equal access to healthcare services and neglected to make necessary modifications to its policies to prevent discrimination based on the inmate's gender dysphoria.

 

As a result of the state's failure, the inmate's condition deteriorated, ultimately leading her to perform self-surgery and remove her own testicles after about 22 months in state custody.

 

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized that all individuals, including those who are incarcerated, are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and entitled to equal access to medical care. The Justice Department has ordered the state to comply with several remedial measures, including offering compensatory damages to the inmate.

 

Utah Department of Corrections Executive Director Brian Reed expressed disagreement with the investigators' findings but did not specify their objections or whether they intend to comply with the Justice Department's orders.

 

The inmate's ordeal highlights the importance of ensuring that individuals with disabilities, including gender dysphoria, receive proper medical treatment and are not subjected to discrimination or neglect while in custody. The Justice Department's intervention underscores its commitment to upholding the rights of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.

 

14.03.24

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