A panel discussion on the needs and rights of transgender people in New Zealand prisons will take place tomorrow at the University of Auckland. Centered around what solutions may be available and to what extent they can be practically implemented into the New Zealand justice system, the event will feature Ti Lamusse from No Pride in Prisons and Kelly Ellis, Barrister and advocate for transgender rights. The discussion is being hosted by student run pro bono organisation The Equal Justice Project. The initiative aims to address issues of equality, redress and representation and promote equal access to justice in Auckland. Transgender prisoner rights have been once again in the spotlight this year, with an incident in March highlighting the safety issues faced by trans prisoners. Protest group No Pride in Prisons recently picketed two offices of the Department of Corrections to push for action regarding the safety of a trans inmate in Whanganui Men’s Prison who alleges she was sexually assaulted by prison staff. The Prison denies her claims and the case is currently under investigation with the Police. The Rights of Transgender People in Prison Wednesday May 11, 6pm University of Auckland Basement, LibB15/ 109-B15
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 10th May 2016 - 9:31am