In a legal settlement announced Thursday, the state of Minnesota has agreed to implement significant policy changes toward transgender inmates, marking a win for transgender individuals in the U.S correctional system.
The lawsuit was brought forward by Christina Lusk, a transgender woman who had been incarcerated in a men's prison. Lusk, alleging violation of her constitutional rights, sought to be housed according to her gender identity. Advocacy groups supporting Lusk argued that her situation highlighted the broader issue of inadequate protection and systemic discrimination against transgender individuals in the prison system.
Lusk, 57, is serving a prison sentence for drug possession.
The settlement stipulates that the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) must adopt new procedures, ensuring the safety and appropriate accommodation of transgender inmates. Policies include housing inmates based on their gender identity, providing necessary medical care such as hormone therapy, and prohibiting harassment or discrimination.
Lusk will receive $495,000 as part of the settlement, which includes $250,000 in legal fees.
"With this settlement, the Department of Corrections takes an important and necessary step toward fulfilling its responsibilities to the people in its care," Gender Justice Legal Director Jess Braverman, the organization that represented Lusk in the case, told NPR.
"Thanks to Christina Lusk's willingness to speak out, transgender people in custody will now have expanded access to the housing and health care they need, and the legal protections they deserve," Braverman added.
This case and its settlement carry national implications. It puts pressure on correctional systems across the country to reevaluate their treatment of transgender inmates.
Lusk is now being transferred to a women's facility. The legal victory is seen as a major step in the fight for transgender rights within the U.S correctional system.
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