“The Federal Court of Appeals decision to deny convicted
killer Michelle Kosilek gender reassignment surgery is an affirmation of
fairness and justice. Allowing someone who has committed first degree murder to
receive extraordinary surgery at best lacks commonsense, and at worst offends
the interests of justice.
The Department of Corrections (DOC) has remained steadfast
in its belief that the state should not be required to provide such surgery,
and I commend the department for continuing to fight against this outrageous
request. Had the unprecedented ruling by Judge Wolf been upheld to allow Michelle
Kosilek’s surgery, not only the Commonwealth, but the country would have
ventured down a dangerous path resulting in serious ramifications not yet
identified.”
A copy of the current legislation filed by Senate Minority
Leader Bruce Tarr and the Senate Republican Caucus can be found here. The bill
will be re-filed in January 2015.
