Despite its name, this bill does nothing to protect incarcerated women. But it will make prison life more dangerous for transgender people. Prisons are already a dangerous place for transwomen. But transwomen, held in male facilities, are much more likely to become victims of assault and sexual abuse. Safety should be driving factor in prison housing policy. Safety for the incarcerated people and prison employees.
Federal law prevents prison officials from showing deliberate indifference to a substantial risk of harm. Forcing MDOC officials to make housing decisions based on politics, especially hateful anti-trans politics, could very well lead to costly litigation.
