The ongoing controversy surrounding the housing of transgender inmates within the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has intensified following recent developments regarding Paris Green, a convicted killer who has been allowed to remain in a women's prison despite concerns over her suitability for such an environment.
Paris Green, formerly known as Peter Laing, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2013 for her involvement in the brutal murder of Robert Shankland, a 45-year-old man. Following her conviction, she was mandated to serve a minimum of 18 years before being eligible for parole. Recently, Green has come under scrutiny again after pleading guilty to culpable and reckless conduct in relation to an incident with a female officer at HMP Edinburgh, where she reportedly assaulted the officer by forcefully pushing a door. This incident took place in August 2023, and Green was subsequently admonished by the court.
Critics, including campaign groups such as Keep Prisons Single Sex, argue that Green's presence in the women’s prison estate poses a significant risk to female inmates and staff. Dr. Kate Coleman, a spokesperson for the campaign group, stated, “The SPS policy states that any trans woman who has been convicted of Violence Against Women or Girls is not eligible for allocation to the female estate.” Dr. Coleman urged that following Green's recent conviction, she should be transferred to a male prison, highlighting that it is “extraordinary” that someone with Green's violent history remains in a women's prison.
This incident not only raises questions about the safety of women in the prison system but also points to alleged inconsistencies in the SPS's policies regarding transgender inmates. Critics suggest that Green's continued placement in a female facility contradicts the SPS's own guidelines, which specify that any trans woman with a violent history presents a risk and should not be placed in the female estate. A spokesperson for the For Women Scotland group echoed these concerns, expressing outrage over the SPS’s decision to retain Green in the women’s prison, labelling it “a damning indictment” of the prison service's commitment to the safety of vulnerable women.
Questions regarding the management of transgender individuals within prisons have become increasingly significant, particularly in light of prior incidents—most notably, case of Adam Graham, a double rapist who transitioned to Isla Bryson and was initially allocated to a women's prison. This case sparked widespread debate and led to a review of SPS policies.
A spokesperson for the SPS defended the current approach, stating that the policy on transgender inmates, which was introduced in February 2022, seeks to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of all individuals in custody. They added that each case is assessed on an individual basis, taking into account various factors, including the risk posed by the inmate.
The discussion surrounding Paris Green is part of a larger debate over the management of transgender prisoners in Scotland, with advocates and critics alike closely monitoring developments. Legal action has also been hinted at, with assertions that continued adherence to the current housing arrangement could violate UK law regarding the safety of women.
The situation remains fluid, with varying opinions on the proper treatment of transgender inmates versus the protection of female prisoners, a balance that the SPS is under increasing pressure to navigate carefully as scrutiny around this issue persists.
Source: Noah Wire Services