New York, NY —

A jail dormitory that had been set aside specifically for gay prisoners is closing on Rikers Island. Reporter Rebecca Golden has more.

The unit opened in the 1970s for gay or transgender inmates who felt vulnerable to discrimination or assault by other prisoners. Correction department officials say the housing was actually less safe for vulnerable inmates because it mixed them with prisoners considered more dangerous. The new system will have one level for inmates deemed predatory and another for those who say they need protective custody. Those requesting protection could be held in isolation for 23 hours a day. Carrie Davis of the Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender community center takes issue with the new system.

To punish the people who are the victims of this violence doesn't make any sense. We should be punishing the people who perpetuate the violence.

Eighteen civil liberties and gay advocacy groups have sent a letter to the department of corrections commissioner to see if he will reconsider the new system. A spokesman for the department says the letter will be reviewed by its legal department. For WNYC, I'm Rebecca Golden.