A youth-led group pushing for change in the criminal justice system remains worried about the risk of abuse of the rights of transgender prisoners. JustSpeak is calling on the Government to ensure that New Zealand's legislative framework does not expose prisoners to unnecessary risk of abuse because of their transgender identity, and to take a strong stand against all abuse in prisons. It comes as the Government has altered Corrections policy, so transgender prisoners whose birth certificates have been changed can immediately be placed in the prison matching their gender identity. Others can apply to be moved, requests which are being considered on a case-by-case basis. "JustSpeak commends the Government for recognizing that transgender people are a vulnerable group with complex needs and for recently putting into place procedures which provide flexibility in determining the most appropriate accommodation options for transgender prisoners," it says in a statement. "This policy is directed at one of the most important issues around housing transgender prisoners. "However, it does not directly address the risk of abuse faced by transgender prisoners once housed, including the time period which occurs prior to any application being heard." The group is urging the Government to continue to take further steps to protect the basic human rights of transgender people and to work towards reducing abuse in New Zealand prisons generally. "We share New Zealanders' aspirations for a world-leading justice system that reduces the threat of crime and deals fairly with crime when it does occur. An important part of that system is a prison service that treats all prisoners with dignity and respect. "A prison service that does not protect the basic human rights of transgender individuals falls below what we can expect from our justice system – and the Government should continue to act to address this."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 12th April 2014 - 7:53am