Federal Prison Creates Separate Men’s Wing After Conflicting Court Rulings on Trans Inmates
The Justice Department has isolated male inmates who identify as women in a dedicated floor at the women-only Federal Medical Center Carswell after two judges issued opposing orders on their housing.
Two federal judges issued contradictory rulings on how to house male inmates who claim a female gender identity, prompting the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Prisons to carve out a men-only wing inside the women-only Federal Medical Center Carswell in Fort Worth, Texas. Judge Royce Lamberth halted an executive order that would have removed the inmates from the women’s facility, whereas Judge Sidney Fitzwater mandated that the men be separated from the female population for safety and privacy reasons.
Female inmates, led by Rhonda Fleming, argued that sharing showers and common areas violated their bodily privacy, noting that many of the men are convicted of violent offenses. The male inmates, represented by the National Center for LGBTQ Rights and GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, filed an emergency motion seeking placement in the general population, claiming segregation worsens gender dysphoria and mental health.
Experts such as Elspeth Cypher and Amie Ichikawa highlighted the clash between safety concerns and the inmates’ claims. The arrangement, described as a “men’s prison within a women’s federal prison,” serves as a temporary solution while broader legal battles continue.
Why it matters
The case illustrates how court battles over transgender inmate housing can reshape prison policies and affect safety and rights for both women and trans prisoners.
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