By Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Federal Supreme Court (STF) Justice Luis Roberto Barroso decided, on Wednesday, June 26th, that transgender women prisoners should be transferred to female penitentiaries.
According to Barroso, the measure is required to comply with the constitutional principles of human dignity and to prevent cruelty and torture.
The preliminary decision was taken in a lawsuit filed in court by the Brazilian Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transvestite and Transgender Association (ABGLT).
According to Barroso, “this is the only measure able to allow them to have a social environment compatible with their gender identity.” The Justice believes that action is also necessary to ensure the physical and psychological integrity of transgender people, “given the history of abuse perpetrated against these people in confinement.”
The Justice’s preliminary decision is in effect but must still be approved by the full STF. The judgment date has not yet been set.