Following the recent incidents of Tiffany Scott, who pursued a 13-year-old girl while she was a male, and Isla Bryson. Who was convicted of rape committed before she transitioned, the Scottish Prison Service launched the review.
Scotland has halted the transfer of any transgender inmates pending an “urgent” review of the rules.
Tiffany Scott, once known as Andrew Burns, stalked a 13-year-old girl. In recent weeks, jail officials in Scotland accepted her transfer to a female-only facility.
Isla Bryson, a transgender woman convicted of rape committed while she was a man, will not be incarcerated in Scotland’s all-female Cornton Vale jail, Nicola Sturgeon stated last week.
A representative for the Scottish Prison Service stated. “We have begun an immediate evaluation of all transgender cases currently being managed in our institutions.
Our top priority has always been and will continue to be the health, safety, and wellness of everyone in our care, as well as our personnel.
“We have rigorous risk assessment systems and have kept individuals safe in many dangerous situations”.
Therefore, we have halted the travel of all transsexual people until the review is complete.”
The review will include “any history of violence or sexual offending against women, and associated risk. To determine the most suitable location for the individual to be lodged,” according to the spokesman.
“Until the review is complete, transgender individuals with a history of violence against women will only be permitted to the male estate in segregation,” the spokeswoman stated.
I hope these actions may provide comfort.
Keith Brown, Scotland’s Justice Secretary, stated: “I recognize that the issue of trans women being convicted of violent and sexual crimes is an emotionally charged one, and I can see the public’s concern.
“As the prime minister stated last week, we cannot allow the notion that trans women pose an intrinsic threat to women to take root. Men who prey on women pose a threat to women”.
As with every group in society, a minority of trans women will commit crimes and be sent to prison.
“Therefore, I expect that the measures will assure that the prison service can continue to manage transgender individuals and safeguard the safety of all inmates.
“We must also never forget that these situations involve victims. My thoughts linger on them.”
Mr. Brown claimed that the recent passage of the Gender Recognition Reform Bill has not affected the current rules of the Scottish Prison Service, which are “in any case not yet in effect.”
“The continued safety of convicts, many of whom have been victims of gender-based violence in the community, will remain the priority in all steps taken,” he added.
Beyond the efforts outlined today, choices regarding the location and administration of inmates must continue to be based on a comprehensive risk assessment, drawing on the knowledge and participation of competent specialists and using any lessons learned from the cited evaluations.
The issue of female-only units
In recent weeks, Scottish prison officials approved Scott’s transfer from a male wing to an all-female unit.
Following an intervention to prevent another transgender jail, Bryson, from being transported to an all-female prison. The Scottish Conservatives told that they wanted Ms. Sturgeon to veto the decision.
Campaigners were incensed when serial sex offender Bryson, formerly Adam Graham, underwent gender transition while awaiting trial.
Following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow last month, the 31-year-old was found guilty of raping two women.
Concerns had been raised regarding her imprisonment at the Cornton Vale women’s jail in Stirling as she awaited trial.
However, Ms. Sturgeon announced during Thursday’s First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood that Bryson would not be kept at Cornton Vale.
Additionally, she stated that the Scottish Prison Service was doing a risk assessment.
She stated, “It would not be proper for me to disclose the location of any prisoner’s confinement.”
“In light of the obvious public and legislative concern. However, I can certify to the parliament that this prisoner will not be housed at Cornton Vale women’s jail.
“I hope this gives the public confidence.”
