Tasmanian Attorney-General Guy Barnett has rejected claims the government had “banned” transgender inmates from serving time in women’s prisons, saying his recent decision to deny a convicted child abuser’s request to be housed with females was consistent with current policies.
After Equality Tasmania expressed concern about the wider ramifications of Mr. Barnett’s ruling – which the organisation said had been reported by national media as reflecting a new policy on transgender inmates- the Attorney General said the government remained committed to the safety of female prisoners.
Under the Tasmania Prison Service director’s standing orders, custodial staff are obliged to treat transgender, transsexual and intersex prisoners with dignity and respect, with inmates to be managed according to the gender they identify with.
“Provided that the safety, security or good order of the prison is not compromised, transgender, transsexual and intersex prisoners have the right to be housed in a correctional facility appropriate to their gender of identification,” the standing orders read.
Mr. Barnett said his decision remained consistent with the current guidelines, and did not indicate a change of policy.
“After recently being briefed on a request from a serious child sex offender to be placed in a women’s correctional facility, I have made clear to the Department that this request is not to be accommodated in line with TPS advice on the unacceptable safety risk,” the Attorney General said
But Equality Tasmania claimed that since 2009 there had not been a single reporter incident on transwomen inmates harassing, abusing or harming female prisoners.
Spokesperson Rodney Croome, urged the state government to recommit to inclusive prison management practices.
by Duncan Abey
Source: Hobart Mercury – Printed Edition
