Myth: Kamala Harris sought to deny trans inmates gender affirmation surgery
Facts: False
Background: This references the case of two trans inmates in California State prison who sued the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
latimes.com/local/californ…
“The ‘essential test is one of medical necessity and not one simply of desirability.'”
They cannot simply not represent an agency in court because they disagree with that agency’s stance.
naag.org/naag/about_naa…
The answer is not very, at least at the beginning.
The CA AG’s office handles tens of thousands of cases each year assigned to hundreds of lawyers; few of which the AG would be personally involved with.
Many articles erroneously claim Harris wrote the argument or signed the brief, no evidence of such being provided besides her name, as AG, being on the letterhead.
washingtonblade.com/content/files/…
Saying Kamala Harris wrote the brief is inaccurate; there is no evidence of such. Falsehoods spread fast.
This is when Kamala Harris assumed a direct role in the case according to her staff.
“Initially there was language in briefing for the state that glaringly misunderstood...and was patently offensive. But then, there was a dramatic change...”
losangelesblade.com/2017/10/26/kam…
washingtonblade.com/2015/08/08/cal…
washingtonblade.com/2020/03/11/cal…
No Kamala Harris did not;
- Have the ability to simply not represent CDCR
- Lead/write the brief against the two trans inmates
Yes Kamala Harris did;
- Take control of the case ending the offensive arguments
- Help craft the settlement to change the policy
