MoJ criticised for promoting ‘LGBT activism’ in prisons

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has come under fire for pushing prisons in England and Wales to celebrate “pride events” and fly multicoloured LGBT flags.

In an Equality Analysis Policy Framework which applies to prison officers, offenders and visitors, the MoJ claimed that although sex is defined as “male and female”, it considers “the needs of people who identify as non-binary, gender fluid, and so on”.

The guidance asks prisons to consider installing gender-neutral toilets, and ensure that policies include the “promotion of inclusion for the LGBT+ community”.

‘Politicised language’

Maya Forstater, Executive Director of Sex Matters, said: “This fanciful and alarming official policy is hard line trans activism and suggests that fellow employees and prisoners exist to validate the trans-identified person’s identity.”

She urged the MoJ to revise the guidance to “ensure that gender ideology is fully rooted out from prison operations”, calling it “very concerning that blatantly politicised language made it past officials and ministers”.

In response, an MoJ spokesperson stated: “No prisoners have access to gender neutral toilets. This mandatory guidance ensures staff comply with the law – as every public body must.”

Scotland

In December, the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) claimed that male prisoners in Scotland who identify as female should live in women’s jails to prepare them for their release.

In an equality assessment report, the SPS outlined guidance on its policy to allow men to be housed in women’s prisons unless they have a record of “violence against a female” from next month.

The report claimed men “should be provided the opportunity and supported to work towards being accommodated in an estate that aligns with their affirmed gender so that, on release to the community, they have had the opportunity to live with those who share their affirmed gender”.

Last year, the SPS ordered a policy assessment following an outcry when convicted rapist Adam Graham was initially placed in a segregated unit in a women’s prison.