Boy I'm glad they solved that problem

[ewagner]

WISCONSIN LEGISLATURE
DATE: APRIL 12, 2005
For More Information, Contact:
Representative Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford): [phone] – Capitol / [phone] - Cell
Senator Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield): [phone] – Capitol
Representative Mark D. Gundrum (R-New Berlin): [phone] - Capitol / [phone] – Cell
BAN ON TAXPAYER FUNDED
PRISONER SEX CHANGES PASSES SENATE
Madison – Today, the Wisconsin State Senate passed legislation on a voice vote, which would prohibit the state
Department of Corrections from using tax dollars or resources to facilitate prisoner sex changes. Rep. Scott
Suder (R-Abbottsford), Rep. Mark Gundrum (R-New Berlin) and State Senator Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield),
believe it is absurd public policy to use scarce taxpayer funds for such purposes.
"I thought I've seen some strange reality shows but this ‘Prison Extreme Makeover’ sex change therapy
program takes the cake," Suder stated. “Our prisons should be institutions of punishment and reform,
not clinics for experimental taxpayer funded medical procedures."
“These individuals are in prison for goodness’ sake. This is not the place for taxpayers to be funding sex
changes,” said State Senator Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield).
The issue came to light as a concern when it was learned that the Department of Corrections was spending
thousands of dollars to provide hormone therapy to Scott Konitzer to stimulate the development of female
characteristics, such as breasts. Konitzer is now seeking to have the Department provide gender change surgery.
Konitzer will not be eligible for parole until 2026.
“We’re in the middle of trying to make massive cuts to the state budget,” Gundrum said. “If we can’t do
something as simple as eliminating taxpayer funded sex changes for prisoners, Heaven help us with the
rest of the budget.”
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How many of us have stay awake at night worrying about this? Jeeesh! I know it sounds wierd but this could have been handled in a different way other than legislation...and the associated grandstanding....

Mods....this is a press release printed in full....

[shoelace414]

1. I think that.

Its still legal for guards to have sex with inmates.

it may have changed within the last year, but I don't think it has.