Rita O’Link applauds new policy for trans inmates

Up North8:56Province brings in new policy for trans inmates

The province announced that it's rolling out a new policy for trans inmates to protect their rights.

Up North7:51Sudbury trans activist talks about new rules for inmates

One of the people who was consulted in the process of developing the new trans inmate policy was Sudbury's Rita O'Link.

A transgender activist in Sudbury says changes to how trans inmates are treated in Ontario prisons are a step in the right direction.

This week, the province announced a new policy as to how trans inmates are treated while in care and custody of correctional facilities to ensure their rights are recognized and protected.

The province said the policy ensures that trans inmates are:

• Placed in an institution appropriate to their gender identity and are involved in the accommodation process
• Referred to by their preferred name and gender pronoun
• Offered the opportunity to choose the gender of staff performing searches and will be offered privacy during the searches

Rita O’Link was involved with the consultation process with the province.

She spoke on CBC Radio's Up North and said she got involved after hearing a story about a trans woman from England who was detained and put in a men’s prison.

O’Link said the changes will help protect the rights of trans inmates.

“So finally, we’re being treated the ‘same as’,” she said.

“What a wonderful feeling that is. What a wonderful load that is to take off a person.”

The province said the new policy is believed to be one of the most progressive in North America.