Colorado is on the brink of making significant changes to how it accommodates transgender women in its prison system, following a lawsuit initiated in 2019.
This lawsuit could lead to the creation of segregated holding cells specifically for transgender individuals, as reported by Fox News.
The lawsuit was brought forward by several transgender inmates against the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC). They claimed they faced discrimination, harassment, and assault.
A judge is expected to make a decision on a consent decree that would not only address these issues but also introduce surgical sex changes and hormone treatments for inmates.
This decree would mandate a financial compensation of $2.1 million to be distributed among all trans women who have been in CDOC custody, with the amount each plaintiff receives varying based on their experiences of assault, discrimination, and harassment. The payouts could range from $1,000 to $10,000.
Among those advocating for the approval of this consent decree are inmates serving life sentences for serious crimes, including homicide and assault.
Fox News shared news of Colorado potentially becoming the first state to establish separate prison units for transgender inmates.
Suneeta Hazra, serving as co-counsel, described the settlement as groundbreaking. She highlighted its comprehensive approach to protection, which she noted is currently unmatched by any other prison system in the country.
However, the proposal has faced criticism. Dave Williams, the chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, argued that the consent decree is another example of leftist interference in the criminal justice system. He expressed concerns over taxpayers bearing the cost of these accommodations, especially for individuals convicted of serious crimes like homicide.
It’s also worth noting recent survey findings that less than two percent of the population identifies as transgender. Despite this small percentage, the issue of transgender rights and representation has gained significant attention in media and political discussions, often portrayed as a critical issue by some political activists and media outlets.
For more information on transgender-related topics, you can explore further articles.