SNP trans policy ‘raises rights fears’ for female cons

A LAWYER for a human rights watchdog has told a court Scottish Government guidance on trans prisoners raises civil liberties concerns for female inmates.

- JAMES MULHOLLAND

The claim was made on the second day of a judicial review brought by pressure group For Women Scotland.

It believes that biological men, who identify as women, should not be allowed to be housed in women’s prisons.

Campaigners are challenging Scottish Prison Service guidance on the management and placement of transgender prisoners, which states that equalities legislation does not mandate segregation of prisoners based on biological sex.

However, For Women Scotland lawyers argue this is based on an incorrect interpretation of the law and maintain that biologically male prisoners should not be held in women’s prisons. They brought the case following their successful appeal to the Supreme Court on definition of a “woman” under the Equality Act.