Kamala Harris’ Past Support for Gender Transition Surgeries for Detained Migrants Resurfaces
A recently resurfaced American Civil Liberties Union questionnaire from 2019 has shed light on Vice President Kamala Harris’ past support for gender transition surgeries for detained migrants and her desire to slash funding from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The document, which was first reported on by CNN, also delves into Harris’ views on various topics such as the U.S. prison system, D.C. statehood, abortion access, and the decriminalization of drugs.
In response to the questionnaire, Harris expressed her belief that the immigrant detention system is out of control and advocated for ending the unfair incarceration of thousands of individuals, families, and children. She also stated her commitment to decreasing funding for ICE and increasing oversight of detention facilities.
Furthermore, Harris affirmed her support for ensuring that transgender and nonbinary individuals in state care, including those in prison and immigration detention, have access to comprehensive treatment associated with gender transition, including necessary surgical care. She emphasized the importance of providing medically necessary care for gender transition to federal prisoners and detainees.
Additionally, Harris indicated her willingness to end the use of ICE detainers and expressed support for the decriminalization of all drug possession for personal use at the federal level, viewing drug addiction as a public health issue that should be addressed through treatment and rehabilitation rather than incarceration.
When asked about her responses in the questionnaire, a Harris campaign adviser highlighted the Vice President’s positions being shaped by her three years of effective governance as part of the Biden-Harris Administration.
As the resurfaced questionnaire brings Harris’ past stances on these critical issues back into the spotlight, it serves as a reminder of the Vice President’s advocacy for progressive policies surrounding immigration, healthcare, and criminal justice reform.