Gender Justice Files Charges Against Minnesota Department of Corrections

Gender Justice along with co-counsel Robins Kaplan LLP, have filed a complaint on behalf of our client, Christina Lusk, against the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC). The treatment of our client, and the discriminatory policies and practices of the DOC, are in violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act, as well as our client’s rights under the Minnesota Constitution to equal protection of the law, to bodily integrity, and to be free of cruel or unusual punishment.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2022

CONTACT
Gabbi Pierce, Communications Manager
[email protected]
651.789.2090

Saint Paul, Minn.—

Gender Justice works to ensure that all people have a meaningful right to bodily autonomy, safety, health, and opportunity. Transgender people in state custody are especially vulnerable to discrimination, harassment, and violence. By mistreating transgender people in custody, the state not only harms them, but effectively puts a target on their backs inviting others to harm them as well.

That’s why Gender Justice along with co-counsel Robins Kaplan LLP, have filed a complaint on behalf of our client, Christina Lusk, against the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC). The treatment of our client, and the discriminatory policies and practices of the DOC, are in violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act, as well as our client’s rights under the Minnesota Constitution to equal protection of the law, to bodily integrity, and to be free of cruel or unusual punishment.

Christina Lusk is a transgender woman who is currently in the custody of the DOC. She is recognized socially, medically, and legally as female – including by the State of Minnesota. Yet, the Minnesota DOC treats Ms. Lusk as a man, simply because she is transgender.

“Transgender people disproportionately face abuse and harassment in state institutions including jails and prisons, schools, healthcare facilities, and more,” said Jess Braverman, Legal Director at Gender Justice. “Every person in custody deserves to be protected from violence and harassment. We need our systems, such as the Department of Corrections, to do better now to protect all vulnerable groups, including transgender people.”

Robins Kaplan attorney Rebecca Bact adds, “Robins Kaplan is pleased to partner with Gender Justice in furthering its mission and seeking relief for Ms. Lusk, who deserves proper housing, healthcare, and a dignified existence free from discrimination.”

Denial of healthcare, failure to house transgender people in the appropriate facilities, and misgendering transgender people in state custody is dehumanizing and degrading. We demand more of our government and public services.

The complaint was filed in Ramsey County District Court, Second Judicial District.

View a copy of the complaint

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