The Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially withdrawn its federal lawsuit against the Utah Department of Corrections, which centered on the housing and treatment of a transgender inmate. The decision, confirmed in a Jan. 29 court filing, was announced by Utah Attorney General Derek Brown.
During a recent appearance on KSL’s podcast “Inside Sources”, Brown explained the shift, attributing it to the current administration’s willingness to engage with Utah officials on legal disputes.
“With President Donald Trump back in the White House, we now have an administration that is open to discussions,” Brown stated. “We’ve been working with federal leadership on lawsuits we felt were unfounded, including this case.”
Brown expressed appreciation for the DOJ’s decision, saying he looks forward to continued collaboration with the Trump administration.
Background of the Lawsuit
The DOJ filed the lawsuit in April 2023 in Utah’s U.S. District Court, accusing the state and its agencies—including the Utah Department of Corrections and the Utah Department of Health and Human Services—of failing to comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
According to the lawsuit, the transgender female inmate was allegedly denied equal healthcare services, including hormone therapy. The complaint also stated that she was restricted from purchasing female clothing and personal items, and that her requests for modifications to pat-down search policies and housing arrangements were dismissed.
In March 2023, the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division first notified the state about its concerns. However, Utah officials pushed back, arguing that they had already implemented policies to address inmate needs while prioritizing safety. Brian Redd, executive director of the Utah Department of Corrections, described the lawsuit as unexpected, saying the department had been actively working on solutions before the legal action was taken.
Utah’s Legal Response
In July 2023, the Utah Attorney General’s Office filed a motion to dismiss, asserting that gender dysphoria is not a protected disability under the ADA. The filing argued that the lawsuit had no legal standing because it relied solely on gender dysphoria-related claims.
“The complaint does not present a valid claim for relief under the ADA, as gender dysphoria is not recognized as a disability under the law,” the state’s motion read.
After months of legal back-and-forth, the DOJ voluntarily dismissed the case on Jan. 29, 2024, bringing the matter to a close.
What’s Next?
While the lawsuit has been dropped, discussions around transgender rights in correctional facilities remain ongoing. Utah officials maintain that their policies balance safety with individual needs, but civil rights advocates continue to push for expanded protections for transgender inmates.
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