News Release
Respecting Trans Inmates January 26, 2015
New Policy Recognizes Gender Identity and Gender ExpressionOntario is implementing new admission and placement policies for trans inmates in the care and custody of provincial correctional facilities to ensure their rights are recognized and protected.
The new policy builds on Toby's Act,which was unanimously passed in the Legislature and made Ontario a leader in protecting the right to gender identity and gender expression.
The policy was developed through extensive, provincewide consultations with civil rights groups, law enforcement and correctional working groups, trans advocates, and community partners, and is consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Commission's (OHRC) Policy on preventing discrimination because of gender identity and gender expression, which was released in April 2014.
The new policy ensures that trans inmates:
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OTHER RESOURCES
Respecting Trans Inmates January 26, 2015
New Policy Recognizes Gender Identity and Gender ExpressionOntario is implementing new admission and placement policies for trans inmates in the care and custody of provincial correctional facilities to ensure their rights are recognized and protected.
The new policy builds on Toby's Act,which was unanimously passed in the Legislature and made Ontario a leader in protecting the right to gender identity and gender expression.
The policy was developed through extensive, provincewide consultations with civil rights groups, law enforcement and correctional working groups, trans advocates, and community partners, and is consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Commission's (OHRC) Policy on preventing discrimination because of gender identity and gender expression, which was released in April 2014.
The new policy ensures that trans inmates:
- Are placed in an institution appropriate to their gender identity or housing preference, and involved in the accommodation process
- Will be referred to by their preferred name and gender pronoun (e.g., he, she, him, her)
- Will be provided the opportunity to choose the gender of staff performing searches, and will be offered privacy during searches.
QUICK FACTS
- The Policy for the Admission, Classification and Placement of Trans Inmates is believed to be one of the most progressive policies on the management of trans inmates in North America.
- Over 10 community and justice sector groups were consulted in the development of this policy.
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