New Scottish Prison Policy Limits Placement of Violent Trans Women in Female Prisons

The policy, instigated following public outcry over a specific case, has been criticized as 'subjective' and 'unacceptable' by critics concerned about the safety of vulnerable women in prison.

• New Scottish Prison Service policy states trans women with a history of violence against women will not be held in female prisons, except in 'exceptional' circumstances.
• The policy follows public outcry after a trans woman, who had committed rape while living as a man, was sent to a women's prison.
• Under the new policy, a trans woman would not be allowed to move into the female estate if they had been convicted of, or were on remand awaiting trial for, a crime that harmed a female.
• The policy also allows officers to search inmates regardless of the inmate's 'affirmed gender' or sex assigned at birth, 'if it is necessary to keep the individual or staff safe'.
• The policy has been criticized as 'subjective' and 'unacceptable' by the Scottish Conservatives, while others have raised concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable women in prison.

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