DOJ Revokes LGBTQ Safety Standards for Prisons Amid DOJ Review

The Department of Justice has instructed inspectors to stop evaluating prisons and jails using standards designed to protect transgender, intersex, and gender-nonconforming people from sexual violence, according to an internal memo obtained by NPR. The memo explains that the DOJ is in the process of revising federal standards related to the 2003 Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), which aimed to reduce the incidence of sexual violence in correctional facilities. The memo, which was obtained by NPR, directs inspectors to stop using the PREA standards that specifically address the needs of LGBTQ and intersex inmates. These standards were designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for this vulnerable population, which is disproportionately affected by sexual violence in prisons. According to data, LGBTQ and intersex inmates are more likely to experience sexual assault and harassment while incarcerated. Advocates for LGBTQ and intersex rights expressed concern over the change, arguing that it will put these individuals at greater risk of harm. "This is a devastating blow to the safety and well-being of LGBTQ and intersex people in prison," said Ashley Carroll, a spokesperson for the National Center for Transgender Equality. "The PREA standards were a critical tool in preventing sexual violence in correctional facilities, and their removal will only exacerbate the problem." The PREA standards were enacted in 2003 as part of the Prison Rape Elimination Act, which aimed to reduce the incidence of sexual violence in correctional facilities. The standards provided a framework for correctional facilities to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual violence, including specific guidelines for protecting LGBTQ and intersex inmates. The decision to revise the PREA standards has been met with criticism from advocates and lawmakers. "This is a step backward for the safety and dignity of LGBTQ and intersex people in prison," said Representative Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland. "We need to be doing more to protect these vulnerable individuals, not less." The DOJ has not provided a clear explanation for the decision to revise the PREA standards, but a spokesperson for the department said that the changes are part of a broader effort to update the standards to reflect current best practices. The spokesperson declined to comment further, citing the ongoing revision process. The revision of the PREA standards is expected to have significant implications for the safety and well-being of LGBTQ and intersex inmates. Advocates are calling on the DOJ to reconsider the decision and to prioritize the safety and dignity of these individuals. As the revision process continues, it remains to be seen how the changes will impact the lives of those affected.