Question reference: S6W-02519
- Asked by: Russell Findlay, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 25 August 2021
-
Current status: Answered by Keith Brown on 8 September 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the review being conducted by the Scottish Prison Service regarding its transgender prison policy.
Answer
I have asked Teresa Medhurst, Interim Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. Her response is as follows:
The SPS is currently undertaking a policy review of its ‘ Gender Identity and Gender Reassignment Policy for those in our Custody’. The review is comprised of two main stages.
The first stage is underway and consists of an in-depth analysis of evidence that has emerged since the SPS’ current policy was introduced in 2014.
The second stage will consist of a series of discussions with key stakeholders. The SPS will also publish the current policy and underpinning legal framework on its website, inviting comment and feedback.
It is anticipated that the review will conclude in spring 2022 and a refreshed, evidence based policy position will be published by the SPS.