Should inmates be entitled to gender-reassignment surgery?

“No. The inmate doesn’t have to get the surgery to live. If they had cancer, that would be a different story. But as long as the inmate can still function, the taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for it. The person just needs to learn how to live with their situation.”

“No. I don’t think taxpayers should have to foot the bill. I fully back the LGBT community but that’s going too far. It could definitely hurt the cause. A lot of people would turn against the transgender community if that becomes a precedent. If the inmate can pay for the surgery, then I’m all for it.”

“No, the person should wait until they can afford to pay for it themselves. It’s a personal choice for the inmate. If they want to make that choice, they should have to pay for it, rather than having others pay for it.”

“I think they have a right to the surgery. But, generally speaking, it’s not the responsibility of the state to pay for it. The condition isn’t necessarily life-threatening or preventing the person from earning a livelihood. But, if the inmate is suicidal or diagnosed as clinically depressed, maybe an exception could be made.”