A United States federal judge has stopped prison officials from moving 12 transgender women inmates to men’s prisons, blocking an order from President Donald Trump.
Trump had signed an executive order after his inauguration in January, ending diversity programs and LGBTQ protections. The order directed authorities to ensure that “males are not detained in women’s prisons.”
The transgender women inmates took legal action, fearing they would lose access to gender-related medical care if they were transferred.
US District Judge Royce Lamberth ruled against the transfer, first stopping the move for three inmates earlier this month and extending the decision to nine others on Monday.
In his ruling, Judge Lamberth referred to the Eighth Amendment of the US Constitution, which bans cruel and unusual punishment.
“Summarily removing the possibility of housing the plaintiffs in a women’s facility, when that was determined to be the appropriate facility under the existing constitutional and statutory regime, demonstrates a likelihood of success on the merits of the plaintiffs’ Eighth Amendment claim,” the judge said.
Trump has taken a strong stance against gender diversity since his return to office, criticizing transgender people and gender-affirming care for minors through both his public statements and executive orders.
