MONTREAL – The Quebec public security minister, François Bonnardel, has announced a controversial policy regarding the incarceration of transgender inmates. According to this new directive, inmates will be placed in correctional facilities based on their anatomical sex rather than their gender identity. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions about the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals within the prison system.
Bonnardel emphasized that the measure aims to safeguard the safety of all inmates housed in Quebec's jails. He stated that all incarcerated individuals will undergo body scans to determine which detention center they will be assigned to. However, he noted that accommodations will be made for some transgender inmates, allowing for greater consideration of their needs in specific situations.
Under this policy, while transgender inmates will be assigned to facilities according to their biological sex, within the jails themselves, they will have the right to identify with the gender of their choice. This dual approach seeks to balance security concerns with the recognition of individual identities.
To support this implementation, the province’s Public Security Department is providing corrections officers with a comprehensive guide aimed at educating them about sexual diversity, gender plurality, and the rights of LGBTQ+ people. This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster a more inclusive and understanding environment within the correctional system.
As of June 2025, the Public Security Department reported that only six out of a total of 5,400 incarcerated individuals in Quebec identified as transgender. This statistic highlights the relatively small number of transgender inmates but underscores the importance of addressing their unique needs within the prison system.
This legislative measure, which was publicly detailed by Bonnardel on June 18, 2025, reflects a significant ongoing debate in Canada regarding the treatment and rights of transgender individuals in correctional facilities. Advocates for trans rights have expressed concerns about the implications of such policies, particularly regarding safety, dignity, and the mental health of transgender inmates who may feel uncomfortable or unsafe in facilities that do not align with their gender identity.
The policy announcement has generated mixed reactions. Proponents argue that prioritizing the anatomical sex of inmates can help mitigate potential risks and conflicts among the incarcerated population. Critics, however, warn that it could further marginalize already vulnerable transgender individuals, posing risks to their safety and well-being.
As discussions around these policies continue, it remains crucial for the Quebec government and correctional facilities to find a balance between safety and the rights of all inmates, including those within the transgender community.
