pflag Canada Statement on Quebec’s Transgender Inmate Policy
pflag Canada strongly opposes Quebec’s newly announced policy requiring transgender inmates to be housed according to their anatomical sex rather than their gender identity. This policy represents a significant step backward in protecting the safety, dignity, and human rights of transgender individuals in provincial detention facilities.
Our Concerns
Quebec’s directive contradicts established best practices and evidence-based approaches to transgender inmate safety. Research consistently demonstrates that transgender individuals face disproportionately high rates of violence, sexual assault, and discrimination in correctional settings – with transgender women in male facilities facing particularly severe risks.
The policy’s reliance on anatomical criteria rather than gender identity:
- Ignores the lived reality and dignity of transgender individuals
- Disregards expert recommendations from human rights organizations
- Contradicts progressive practices adopted by other Canadian provinces and jurisdictions worldwide
- Places transgender inmates at increased risk of harm and violence
- Is discriminatory based on the means and resources to have bottom surgery
Evidence-Based Alternatives
pflag Canada believes that safe, humane incarceration requires individualized assessments that consider:
- Gender identity and expression
- Safety and security concerns for all inmates
- Access to appropriate medical care and support services
- Consultation with transgender individuals about their needs and safety
Many jurisdictions have successfully implemented policies that respect gender identity while maintaining safety through case-by-case evaluations, specialized housing units, and comprehensive staff training.
Our Call to Action
We urge the Quebec government to:
- Reconsider this policy and engage meaningfully with transgender advocates and human rights experts
- Develop evidence-based policies that prioritize both safety and dignity for all inmates
- Ensure transgender inmates have access to appropriate medical care, support services, and protection from discrimination
- Provide comprehensive training to correctional staff on 2SLGBTQIA+ issues and human rights
Our Commitment
As families and allies of 2SLGBTQIA+ people, we know that our loved ones deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, including when they are incarcerated. No one should face additional punishment or harm simply because of who they are.
pflag Canada has advocated for transgender inclusion for over 20 years and we will continue to stand with transgender individuals and their families in demanding policies that protect their safety, health, and human rights.
All people deserve to be safe, valued, and treated with dignity – in our communities and in our correctional facilities.