Bill would prevent gender reassignment surgery in prison

http://michiganmessenger.com/52069/bill-would-prevent-gender-reassignment-surgery-in-prison
8/30/11
By Todd A. Heywood

In a move that activists call unnecessary and based on bigotry, Rep. Tom Hooker (R-Byron Center) wants to make sure that Michigan taxpayers do not foot the bill for any gender assignment surgeries Michigan prisoners may need as part of their treatment.

Hooker readily admits he knows of no case where a Michigan prisoner has had gender reassignment surgery. But in an interview with the Grand Rapids Press, he explained why he thought the legislation was important to Michigan:

    "It's something that's kind of a common sense thing. I'd much rather be proactive than reactive," said the Byron Center Republican. "It's definitely something we want to prevent."