1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

Title: Preventing Violence Against Female Inmates Act of 2023 (S. 752) This proposed legislation S. 752, called the "Preventing Violence Against Female Inmates Act of 2023," raises concerns about the safety, dignity and equal treatment of incarcerated transgender individuals. Forcing prisoners into housing based solely on the sex they were assigned at birth disregards their gender identity and puts them at increased risk of discrimination, harassment and violence. There is already a disturbing pattern of sexual victimization against transgender inmates in facilities that ignore their lived gender. Any policy governing prison housing assignments should prioritize protecting the wellbeing and rights of all incarcerated people, including respecting gender identity. At minimum, transgender inmates should have the option of being housed according to their gender identity when that is compatible with their own safety. Policies based solely on sex assigned at birth are outdated and inconsistent with principles of equal protection under the law. For these reasons, I urge you to oppose this bill unless it is amended to uphold the dignity of transgender prisoners and ensure their safety through appropriate housing policies. Prison reform should enhance justice and human rights, not undermine them through discriminatory practices.