Inmate renews electrolysis request

A convicted killer who is seeking a taxpayer-funded sex-change operation is again asking a judge to approve electrolysis treatments.

Michelle Kosilek (KOH'-sih-lech) was born as Robert. He has been living as a woman in an all-male prison in Norfolk, serving a life sentence for the murder of his wife, Cheryl, in 1990.

Prison officials oppose Kosilek's request for surgery, saying the sex change would pose security problems.

U.S. District Judge Mark Wolf ruled in 2002 that Kosilek was entitled to treatment for gender identity disorder, but stopped short of ordering surgery. Kosilek sued again in 2005.

Kosilek had seven electrolysis treatments, but they were discontinued last year. In August, Wolf rejected Kosilek's request for additional treatments. Kosilek is due in court Monday to renew the request.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.