Indian Home Ministry directs prisons to protect transgender inmates
The Indian Home Ministry in a surprising development on July 15 sent a note to state and territorial officials and prison administrators that acknowledges queer prisoners regularly face discrimination and violence because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
The government has asked all states and territories ensure queer people receive equal rights in their prison. The government has also instructed state and territorial officials to prevent discrimination in relation to accessing goods and services inside their prisons, especially visitation rights.
The directive mandates prison officials allow inmates to meet with family members, relatives, friends, and legal representatives at least once every two weeks.
Referencing the Model Prison Manual, 2016, the government emphasized prisoners should be granted reasonable facilities to see or speak with their family members, relatives, friends, and legal representatives.
