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The Ministry has formulated the Model Prisons Manual, 2016 and the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023 and shared these manuals with all state governments and Union Territory administrations for their guidance and implementation in their respective jurisdictions . representative image
The Home Office says LGBTQ+ people should not be discriminated against in accessing goods and services available to the wider public, particularly with regard to prison visiting rights
The federal Ministry of Home Affairs has written a new letter to all states and federal territories on the issue of discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in prisons.
The Home Office said queer people should not be discriminated against in accessing goods and services available to the wider public, particularly regarding prison visiting rights.
The ministry has asked all states to create awareness among relevant officials at all levels to ensure that all are treated fairly and equally and no one, especially those belonging to the queer community, is discriminated against in any manner.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will reach out to all states and Union Territories and share contemporary guidelines and best practices on all aspects of efficient prison administration and management. The ministry noted that members of the queer community (LGBTQ+) are often They are discriminated against because of their identity or sexual orientation and often face violence and disrespect,” the Home Office said in a letter written on Monday. “To ensure that there is no discrimination against the queer community in access to goods and services available to the public at large, particularly with regard to prison visitation rights, the following guidelines are reiterated.”
The Ministry has formulated the Model Prisons Manual, 2016 and the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023 and shared these manuals with all state governments and Union Territory administrations for their guidance and implementation in their respective jurisdictions .
The Home Office said: “We reiterate that these rules apply equally to members of the queer community who can meet the person of their choice without any discrimination or judgement.”
Citing the bill, the ministry said every prisoner should be allowed reasonable facilities to meet or communicate with his or her family (native or chosen), relatives, friends and legal advisors to prepare for an appeal, obtain bail or arrange for the administration of their estate and family matters. They are allowed to meet with their family, relatives, friends and legal advisors.
