The New Jersey prison system will begin housing inmates based on gender identity, the results of the lawsuit submitted in 2019 by a transgender woman who said she was forced to live in a male prison for one and a half years.
New policies come into force on July 1 and provide greater protection for transgender people, intersex and nonkeriner in country prisons, most importantly to accommodate them based on the gender they identify with the sex assigned at birth.
Prisoners can provide information about their gender identity anytime during their detention, under the policy.
Other protection includes a single cell housing while the determination of final housing is being made; Able to take a shower separately from other inmates; The right to have input into housing decisions and to appeal the decision, and prohibition of physical examination to determine the genital status of prisoners.
Pat-down search or strip search by transgender women by male officers will be banned.
The policy will be maintained at least for one year, according to completion.
“This policy places a new jersey in the front row of the country is committed to protecting transgender, intersex, and nonkinin people in determining prison housing and continuing its path to eliminate discrimination based on gender identity,” said Tess Borden, lawyer staff Liberties United States in New Jersey, Who represents the woman together with lawyer Robyn Gigl.
Under the provisions of resolution, the woman, identified in court letters as Sonia Doe, will receive compensation of $ 125,000 and $ 45,000 for lawyer fees, and will not face sanctions in connection with the attack in Paris in May 2019.
” I was forced to live in a male prison, I was afraid I would not succeed in life.
The memories were still haunting me, “DOE said in a statement.
“Even though I still have a nightmare about that time, it is very relieving to know that as a result of my experience NJDOC has adopted substantial policy changes so that no one should be worn by the horror I survived.” The New Jersey correction department did not return a comment request immediately.
Changes came at the time of New Jersey wrestling with reports of widespread violations and systemic failures in their women’s prison, Edna Mahan Penitentiary facilities for women in Clinton.
Ten prison guards faced criminal charges from the alleged attack on prisoners, including a transgender woman, in January.
Some correction officers in prison pleaded guilty or convicted of sexual abuse and violations in recent years, and last year the justice report department concluded that official failed to take action to prevent rampant abuse at the facility despite being aware of systemic problems.
Correction of Commissioner Marcus Hicks resigned this month, the day after Democratic Governor Phil Murphy said he would close the prison.