The Wellington Pride committee have declined an application made by the Department of Corrections to march in the upcoming Parade. The Department of Corrections marching in the 2015 Auckland Pride Parade. In an official statement Wellington Pride Festival I Tū whakahīhī e Te Whanganui-ā-Tara committee explained their decision saying it was based on concerns raised from across the sexuality and gender diverse communities. “As part of our review, the Wellington Pride committee met with representatives of the Department of Corrections to discuss their current practices regarding transgender prisoners,” they say. “We learned that extensive changes are currently being undertaken to enhance transgender prisoners’ safety, dignity, privacy and their right to maintain their gender identity while in Corrections care. However, public consultation and staff training are still needed before these changes are fully implemented. We encourage conversations to continue to take place between the Department of Corrections and the LGBTIQ community.” Late last year the same decision was made by the Auckland Pride Parade Board who stated that they saw no evidence that the Deaprtment’s promised Transgender Policy had been implemented and the “Ombudsman Report in relation to the Provision, Access and Availability of Prisoner Health Services was particularly concerning. “That report concludes that “the Department's policy regarding transgender prisoners does not adequately reflect the expectation that transgender prisoners should be treated with dignity, nor does the policy adequately acknowledge prisoners' gender identification,”” they said. The Wellington Pride committee has expressed its support “for all those creating positive change for our LGBTIQ community, including those within the Department of Corrections.” The Wellington Pride Parade takes place on 18 March from 10.50am - midday. The parade route is Cambridege Terrece - on to Courtney Place - turning right into Taranaki Street - turning right again into Wakefield Street - until the end destination of Waitangi Park.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 5th March 2017 - 2:41pm