LAS VEGAS — The ACLU of Nevada released the following statement following Gov. Joe Lombardo’s signing Senate Bill 153 into law. SB153, sponsored by Senator Melanie Scheible, will help promote more equitable treatment for transgender and gender non-conforming people incarcerated within the Nevada Department of Corrections.
ACLU of Nevada Executive Director Athar Haseebullah said:
“Our affiliate has been fighting for years to ensure equitable treatment for those within the Nevada Department of Corrections. Nevada’s prisons have largely failed to comply with Ninth Circuit case law on how incarcerated people who are transgender should be treated while in the state’s care. We’re pleased to see Governor Lombardo recognize the importance of this legislation and save the taxpayers of Nevada significant money by avoiding unnecessary and costly litigation we were likely to proceed with on this matter, and we’re grateful to bill sponsor Senator Melanie Scheible for advancing the rights of transgender people throughout this session.”
ACLU of Nevada Director of Communications and Campaigns West Juhl said:
“Across the country, people who are transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse are under attack. Even here in Nevada, we are seeing extremists trying to score political points by spreading misinformation and hate. As a nonbinary person, I’ve heard countless stories of inequity based on gender identity or expression, and that’s true in our prisons as well. I am glad to see the governor sign these important protections for transgender people into law. All Nevadans, including people who are incarcerated, have a right to access gender-affirming care under the law, and this is a huge step forward for our state.”
