Today’s question comes from Gina J. from Los Angeles: “I used to live in San Francisco and read your column. I moved to L.A. recently. I am a trans-woman and as part of my transition I wanted to undergo breast implantation. I found an excellent surgeon and he scheduled my surgery at a local hospital that is part of a religious healthcare system. I had received approval from MediCal and was excitedly awaiting my surgery when my doctor sent me an e-mail, accompanied by a letter from the hospital stating that, because of their religious beliefs, I could not have my surgery “because God made me a man.” Is this legal?”
Dear Gina, I am surprised that this kind of discrimination continues. In 2008 I brought action for a woman named Charlene Hastings against Seaton Hospital when they engaged in similar discriminatory conduct.