ATLANTA – The Justice Department says prison officials must treat an inmate's gender identity condition just as they would treat any other medical or mental health condition.
The department stated its position Friday in a court filing in the case of Ashley Diamond, a transgender woman. The Southern Poverty Law Center in February filed a lawsuit against Georgia Department of Corrections officials on Diamond's behalf.
The lawsuit says prison officials have failed to provide adequate treatment for Diamond's gender dysphoria, a condition that causes a person to experience extreme distress because of a disconnect between a person's birth sex and gender identity.
The Justice Department says prison officials are constitutionally mandated to provide inmates with individualized assessment and care for the condition.
The Department of Corrections didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment Friday.
True Crime
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.
