HUMASON AND COLLEAGUES OPPOSE TAXPAYER-FUNDED
SEX CHANGE OPERATION FOR CONVICTED MURDERER

State House, Boston – Don Humason, Jr., Westfield’s State Representative and a number of his Legislative colleagues delivered a formal letter to Department of Corrections (DOC) Commissioner Harold Clarke today expressing their strong opposition to a request by incarcerated convicted murderer Robert Kosilek for a taxpayer funded sex-change operation.

Robert Kosilek, now 57, was sentenced to life in prison in 1993 for strangling his wife.  Since 2000, Kosilek has been battling the DOC in state courts for access to various treatments for his gender transition.  It is estimated the Commonwealth has already expended over $52,000 in legal fees and associated costs. 

It is likely that the cost of the elective sex-change operation would ultimately cost the Commonwealth in excess of $100,000.  Mr. Kosilek's request was ardently opposed by former Romney DOC Commissioner Kathleen Dennehy, however, Commissioner Clarke, appointed by Governor Deval Patrick, is said to be “re-examining the case.”

The letter from Humason and the other legislators expressed outrage with the request by Kosilek for a taxpayer funded sex-change operation while in the care and custody of the Department of Corrections.   The letter goes on to state that this type of request is far outside the scope of services that the DOC is required to provide and not a legitimate role of state government.

Representative Humason said, “With the state facing a $1.3 billion dollar structural deficit, we need to stress the importance of using our resources responsibly.  With the potential for tax increases looming and as a steward of the public’s trust, I cannot stand by and allow this measure to move forward without expressing my strong disapproval.”

“The taxpayers deserve responsible spending by their government,” Humason added.  “If approved, this would be a prime example of a violation of that trust.  I urge Commissioner Clarke to reject Kosilek’s request.”

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Representative Don Humason and his legislative aide Sarah Latour may be reached at their Westfield District office, 64 Noble Street, Westfield, MA 01085, 568-1366.
                                                              
Their Boston address is State House Room 542, Boston, MA 02133, (617) 722-2803. 
Email address: Rep.DonaldHumason@Hou.state.ma.us