Sign your name today, and together, let's ask the Attorney General to set guidelines that all transgender prisoners who fear for their safety should have the option of separate transgender housing!
According to the New York Times and the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 39.9% transgender prisoners experience "unwanted sexual activity". That's TEN TIMES the general prison population facing rape and sexual harassment.
The Times tells the story of Isabella Sanchez, who had her chest slashed by a fellow inmate. The Huffington Post says that Sandy Brown was forced to spend two months in cruel solitary confinement just because she is transgender. A guard called her "it" and told her to kill herself. A judge ruled that this is unconstitutional - but it happens all too often.
No matter what we think of prisoners, they're still people. The loss of their freedom is punishment enough. Transgender inmates shouldn't be forced to endure bigotry and rape on top of their legal sanctions. Enough is enough - we all need to speak out.
It's time for the Department of Justice to step in and tell federal and state prisons alike that the 8th and 14th Amendments require equal protection of all inmates. Transgender prisoners must have the right to choose what gender they will be housed with, including other transgender men or women!
As you know, transgender prisoners are ten times more likely than the general prison population to face unwanted sexual activity like rape and sexual harassment.
I call on the Department of Justice to set new housing guidelines for transgender inmates in U.S. prisons and jails! Transgender inmates, especially those who fear for their saftey, should have the right to choose with which gender they will be housed - including an option of fellow transgender male inmates for transgender men, and transgender women inmates for transgender women. It might not be feasible for all prisons and jails to offer such housing, but solitary confinement is NOT a substitution. Therefore, the government should pay to transfer transgender inmates to facilities with proper housing options when necessary. This should apply to all federal detention facilities, including those run by private contractors, and the DOJ should reduce funds for states that do not also follow the new guidelines.
The sentences imposed by a court are enough. It is cruel and unusual to ask prisoners to suffer bigotry, physical harm, sexual harassment, rape, or sustained isolation on top of their legal sentences. Please do the right thing and offer all transgender people the option of safe housing today!
