The first case confirmed in North Rhine-Westphalia. - Jailed Individual: Gender Transformation Operation
For the first time in North Rhine-Westphalia, an inmate is eligible for a gender reassignment surgery. This has been confirmed by the Justice Commissioner's current report. The required medical report is now available.
"The inmate is now hoping to receive permission for a gender reassignment operation as soon as possible," the Commissioner said. The transgender prisoner has already been transferred to the female prison and selected the female name form. According to the report, the person approached the Justice Commissioner earlier as they lost their job due to the transfer and during the hormone therapy they did not receive the much-needed psychological care.
"In addition, they were not allowed to participate in the closure, as they still had male sexual characteristics. These isolation experiences greatly affected the inmate during the already very sensitive phase of hormone therapy, leading to severe depression and suicidal thoughts," the report continues. "However, their situation has since improved significantly, they report the existence of a 'Trans' workgroup and a noticeable positive change in their facility," added the Justice Commissioner in the annual report.
The Ministry of Justice responded to a request by stating that decisions concerning the placement of transgender prisoners in male or female prisons would be made "based on the specific circumstances of the individual case." "Potential issues will be addressed in accordance with the provisions of the North Rhine-Westphalia Criminal Execution Act, and with the help of general treatment concepts."
About the possible operation, it's stated that equality guidelines will be followed in prisons, "meaning prisoners will receive medical care that meets standards and guidelines outside of detention." Decisions regarding gender reassignment procedures are made in accordance with the usual guidelines.
Read also:
- The penal system in North Rhine-Westphalia is currently reviewing its policies towards transgender inmates, following a case in Düsseldorf where a woman in prison is seeking permission for a gender reassignment surgery.
- The woman, who is serving time in a female prison in North Rhine-Westphalia's criminal justice system, had previously approached the Justice Commissioner about the loss of her job due to the transfer and the lack of psychological care during hormone therapy.
- The penal system in North Rhine-Westphalia's Criminal Execution Act states that decisions concerning the placement of transgender prisoners in male or female prisons will be made based on the specific circumstances of the individual case, following equality guidelines that ensure prisoners receive medical care that meets standards and guidelines outside of detention.
