Trans prisoner settles landmark civil rights lawsuit
John Doe, a 2005 inmate of the Orange County Jail in California, today successfully settled a civil rights suit against the County resulting in significant policy changes and a settlement sum of close to $50,000 (£25,000).
Doe, represented by San Diego law firm Stock Stephens, LLP and the Transgender Law Center (TLC), alleged denial of medical care and gender identity harassment in the suit.
The resulting policy changes will formalise policies regarding provision of hormones to transgender inmates and training for medical and corrections staff.
“This settlement is a huge win for our client and for transgender people throughout Orange County,” said Mattheus Stephens, Partner with Stock Stephens, LLP.
“We signed on to this case because we were appalled by the way our client was treated and believe that this settlement goes a long way towards guaranteeing that the County takes seriously the needs of transgender residents.”
“Transgender prisoners around the state and nation are at high risk for abuse and denial of medical care,” said Christopher Daley, TLC Director.
“We’re proud to have worked with Doe and Stock Stephens to not only reach resolution for the harm Doe suffered, but also to have successfully worked with Orange County officials to move forward on these important safety issues.
“We look forward to working with the County over the next year to implement the terms of the settlement.”
In reaching this settlement, the County denied all wrong doing.
Doe and his attorneys were impressed by the County’s willingness to engage on these issues and their clear commitment to making the agreed upon policy changes.
