Thu 3 Apr 2014 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Corrections has confirmed transgender prisoners are able to apply to be placed in a prison which fits their gender identity. The new policy came into effect on 10 February. GayNZ.com Daily News checked on the issue following a report from the Otago Daily Times that a transgender Oamaru woman has been ordered to serve a nine month jail sentence in a men's prison, after pleading guilty to three charges of assault. In a statement today, Corrections confirms “upon entering the prison system, prisoners are able to apply for placement in a prison where they identify with the gender of the prisoners managed in that prison.” The full policy can be found here In a nutshell, it says transgender prisoners whose sex on their birth certificate has not been changed can apply to be moved into a prison with their identified gender – unless they are serving or facing charges for serious sexual offending. The Chief Executive of Corrections considers the applications on a case by case basis. The Oamaru woman’s lawyer is being contacted to ensure she knows about the new process and can help her client apply.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 3rd April 2014 - 4:43pm