The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) commends the Tasmanian State Government for its decisive action to ban trans-identifying male prisoners from women’s correctional facilities. This action sets a clear precedent for prioritising women’s safety over ideology.
Deputy Premier, Attorney-General and Corrections Minister Guy Barnett has directed Tasmania’s correctional service to give ‘absolute priority’ to the wellbeing of female prisoners. ACL says this directive demonstrates principled leadership and responsible governance.
ACL Tasmania Director Rafael Demarchi said the decision reflects the values of the Tasmanian community.
“The risk of female inmates being assaulted calls for decisive action. This is a form of violence against women that is entirely preventable.” Mr Demarchi said.
ACL says biological-based safeguards like this are essential to prevent further violence against female prisoners, an issue that other states have ignored. Incidents have already been reported in Victoria and South Australia where transgender inmates have sexually assaulted female prisoners.
Tasmania’s action follows growing pressure builds on other states to follow act, after Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro last month became the first Australian leader to prohibit trans-identifying male offenders from being housed in women’s prisons.
ACL commends the State Government for taking a principled stand. Protecting women’s safety and dignity is the kind of leadership Tasmanians expect – and other state governments must now do the same.
