(DailyVantage.com) – A federal judge recently ruled that it would be unconstitutional for an Indiana prison to deny a transgender inmate sex reassignment surgery. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of the inmate, Jonathan Richardson, who now goes by the name Autumn Cordellionè. Richardson was convicted of killing his 11-month-old stepdaughter in 2001 and is serving a 55-year sentence.
Indiana law prohibits the Department of Corrections from using taxpayer dollars to pay for sex reassignment surgery for inmates. However, the ACLU argued that this law violates the Eighth Amendment, which protects against “cruel and unusual punishment.” The ACLU claims that for Cordellionè, the surgery is a medical necessity due to gender dysphoria, a condition that causes distress when someone’s physical body does not match their gender identity.
Judge Richard Young agreed with the ACLU’s argument. He stated that the treatments Cordellionè had already received, like hormone therapy, were not enough to address the serious risk of harm she faces without surgery. He ordered the Department of Corrections to take all necessary actions to make sure Cordellionè can get the surgery.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita disagreed with the ruling, expressing his frustration on social media. Rokita emphasized that taxpayers should not have to pay for a convicted murderer’s gender reassignment surgery, and he plans to appeal the decision.
The ACLU’s lawsuit also mentioned that Cordellionè was diagnosed with gender dysphoria in 2020 and has been receiving female hormones and testosterone blockers ever since. She’s also been given other accommodations, such as women’s underwear, makeup, and form-fitting clothing, but the lawsuit claims these measures are not enough. The ACLU argues that gender-affirming surgery is the only way to fully address her medical needs.
This case has sparked intense debate about the rights of transgender inmates and whether taxpayer funds should be used for their medical treatments. It will likely continue through the appeals process.
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