The Quebec case of convicted murderer Levana Ballouz has sparked a tense debate about whether trans inmates should be allowed to choose whether they serve time in men’s or women’s prison based on their gender identity.
A jury found Ballouz, a trans woman, guilty on Dec. 16 of fatally stabbing her partner Synthia Bussières, and suffocating their two children, five-year-old Éliam and two-year-old Zac in 2022.
During sentencing, the judge in the case described Ballouz as “sadistic”, “dangerous” and “manipulative.” She was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole for at least 25 years.
Ballouz, 38, was known as Mohamad Al Ballouz at the time she was charged.
Once convicted, she made a request to serve her time in a federal women’s prison.
Last week, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) confirmed that Ballouz is currently being housed in a men’s prison …