Mass. Inmates Asks for Sex Change

AP via SFGate ^ | 6/26/7 | DENISE LAVOIE, Associated Press Writer

[SmithL]

BOSTON (AP) -- A trial that opened more than a year ago has become bogged down in Boston federal court. There have been hundreds of hours of testimony from witnesses, including 10 medical specialists paid tens of thousands of dollars. The judge himself even hired an expert to help him make sense of it all.

The question at the center of the case: Should a murderer serving life in prison get a sex-change operation at taxpayer expense?

The case of Michelle — formerly Robert — Kosilek is being closely watched across the country by advocates for other inmates who want to undergo a sex change. Transgender inmates in other states have sued prison officials, and not one has succeeded in persuading a judge to order a sex-change operation.

The Massachusetts Correction Department is vigorously fighting Kosilek's request for surgery, saying it would create a security nightmare and make Kosilek a target for sexual assault.

An Associated Press review of the case, including figures obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests and interviews, found that the Correction Department and its outside health care provider have spent more than $52,000 on experts to testify about an operation that would cost about $20,000.

[Disambiguator]

So, if this goes through, will he then be transferred to a women’s prison facility?

[BoneShaker]

I bet he’s popular during the weekly shower.

[SmoothTalker]

How frigging stupid. I don’t understand how even the most ardent lib can argue that taxpayers should pick up the tab for this crap.

[pepsionice]

Seems to me that this state has way too much money for inmate cases. A state ought to set aside $1000 for each case and when that runs out....your case runs out. The purpose of a prison is to hold you until your sentence is finished...with simple three meals a day...a bunk...clothing...and basic health covered. You can guess why taxes are so high here.

[Lancey Howard]

LMAO!!! Open your wallets and fork it over, Mass-holes!
You deserve what you vote for.

[Leftism is Mentally Deranged]

Not with our money!

[The_Repugnant_Conservative]

Maybe His/Her Block mates will take up a collection for her? Or would that be a down payment against future services?

[caisson71]

You have the wrong idea about prisons. Listen to this. A new prison being built in Arizona will house inmates from Hawaii. It will serve Hawaiian food, observe Hawaiian holidays and Hawaiian cultural practices. They don’t mention the hot tubs and tropical saunas, Mai Tais, poi once a week and ice cold Primo beer. However, prison officials have not yet geared up for online reservations. (sarcasm)

[taildragger]

Kosilek, 58, was convicted of strangling his wife in 1990. He claimed he killed her in self-defense after she spilled boiling tea on his genitals.

If it wasn't so gosh darn hard to get a Pistol Permit in the People'a Silly Socialist Republic of Massachusetts from which I defected, maybe she still would be alive just by brandishing it against her Ex.

In regards to his tea, if she had a firearm, it would been a much more "polite society" and she could have asked him if he wanted one lump or two....

[Xenalyte]

Well, mostly because “eunuch” does not equal “woman”.

[Xenalyte]

Y’know, I’ve never been to prison, but I have made certain assumptions about being there.

One thing I assume is that prisoners don’t get to do everything free men can do.

This assumption leads me to the opinion that if I want to retain as much control over my life as possible, it’s a good idea to stay out of prison.

My way, if I ever decide I just HAVE to become a man, I don’t have to worry about who’s gonna pay for it because I, not being in prison, would be writing the check myself.

[RC51]

This is Mr./Ms. whatever ... Kosilek

[MrEdd]

[Dick Vomer]

I'm sure these fellers would do it.... cheap.

[Dick Vomer]

I'm sure these fellers would do it.... cheap.

[Lx]

This reminds me of when one of the Menedez brothers admitted he was gay before going to prison. Bet he was real popular and great timing!

[Teacher317]

the Correction Department and its outside health care provider have spent more than $52,000 on experts to testify about an operation that would cost about $20,000

Nice media slant there... That $52,000 may save millions and millions in future costs. If just 100 inmates want the change, that $2,000,000 saved right there.