Justice Minister Defends Trans Prisoners Policy in Northern Ireland

The existing policy for housing trans women prisoners in custody in Northern Ireland strikes the correct balance, Stormont’s Justice minister has insisted. Naomi Longmade the comments as she declined calls from DUP MLAs to commit to not holding trans women in female prison accommodation in the region following the landmark Supreme Court ruling on biological sex.

Supreme Court Ruling

During heated exchanges in the Northern Ireland Assembly, Ms Long stressed that the Supreme Court ruling related to the interpretation of the 2010 Equality Act – legislation that did not apply in Northern Ireland. The minister told MLAs that her department was awaiting guidance from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission on what implications the ruling would have on Stormont departments.

Ensuring Safety

The minister defended the current policy which she insisted was based on risk assessment, not on self-identification by prisoners. She emphasized the importance of upholding safety and dignity for everyone committed to their care in the prisons.

Protections for Trans Individuals

Ms Long also highlighted the protection rights for trans individuals under the law, ensuring that they have access to basic facilities and are housed based on risk assessment rather than self-identification. She stressed the need to maintain privacy, dignity, and safety for all prisoners in custody.