Tim Walz funds group suing for transgender rights in prisons

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been linked to a controversial policy that allows men, including convicted sex offenders, to be housed in women's prisons. This policy emerged after the state corrections department adopted a 'gender identity' regulation in January 2023, which led to the transfer of several transgender women into a women's facility. One notable case involved Elijah Thomas Berryman, a convicted sex offender, who was moved to MCF-Shakopee, raising concerns about the safety of female inmates. The legal battle began when Craig Lusk, a transgender woman, filed a lawsuit in July 2022, claiming sex discrimination after being denied housing in a women's prison. The state subsequently settled the lawsuit, which resulted in a policy change that facilitated the housing of transgender individuals in facilities that align with their gender identity. Governor Walz's administration allocated significant funds to Gender Justice, the group that supported Lusk's lawsuit, further entrenching the policy. Critics, including prison staff, have expressed alarm over the implications of this policy, citing the potential risks to female inmates. Alicia Beckmann, a former prison instructor, highlighted the dangers of housing biological males, particularly those with violent histories, among women. The new policy has been met with backlash from various sectors, including legal professionals who have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of women in these facilities. As the policy is set to take effect in April 2024, the debate continues over the balance between transgender rights and the safety of incarcerated women. The situation underscores the complexities surrounding gender identity in correctional settings and the ongoing discussions about appropriate housing for transgender individuals in the prison system.