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| British Prisons to Recognize Gay Partners |
| By Planet Out |
| Published: 05/27/2002 |
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Prison rules have been reformed in England and Wales, allowing gay partners to be classified as close relatives. The reform will mean that it will be easier for gays to visit their partners in jail, Martin Narey, the Prison Service director general said. In addition, gay prisoners who are in a relationship with other inmates at a different prison will now be allowed to apply for 'inter-prison visits.' Narey said the Prison Service hopes the move will encourage stability in the lives of gay prisoners. In a letter to Unlock, the national association for former offenders, Narey acknowledged that prison rules discriminated against gay inmates. After looking at the situation carefully Narey said he instructed prison governors to change visiting regulations regarding gay prisoners. Partners of gay prisoners should 'enjoy the special status afforded to other family members,' he said. He said: 'This means that visits by those in this category can only be stopped in exceptional circumstances, and where both parties are imprisoned the governor has the discretion to grant inter-prison visits.' Mark Leech, the chief executive of Unlock, said the move by Narey was as 'a significant step for the Prison Service on the road to equality.' Whilst accepting that Narey's changes are a step forward, many feel it is still paying lip-service to homophobia. 'Maybe this is formalizing gay partner visiting rights, but it will not change much,' said Steve Taylor, spokesman for the Association of Prisoners. Taylor welcomed gay 'inter-prison visits' saying: 'If they took place they would have been very rare, so if it has been formalized this is a good thing.' At the end of the day, however, the power lies with prison governors on any changes to gay prisoner rights. |
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