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Transgender prisoner charged with sexually assaulting inmate at Scottish jail
Police said a 38-year-old prisoner was charged after a sex attack allegation, renewing scrutiny of Scotland’s policy on housing transgender inmates in women’s prisons.
- Police Scotland arrested and charged 38-year-old Alexandra Stewart with sexual assault at HMP Greenock after the transgender prisoner allegedly attacked a female inmate. Stewart, a biological male serving a life sentence for murder, has been held in the women's unit since 2016.
- The Scottish Prison Service policy permits transfers to women's estates if there is "compelling evidence that they do not present an unacceptable risk." However, the policy bars transfers for serious offences including murder, though exceptions exist under risk assessment review.
- For Women Scotland is challenging the Scottish Government in court, arguing the policy contradicts the Supreme Court's ruling that "woman" in the Equality Act means biological woman. The case is being considered by judges at the Court of Session.
- Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton called the incident "appalling," accusing the Scottish Government of "recklessness" for housing male prisoners in female jails. Lawyer Paul Lynch criticized the service for "contempt" of UK law.
- Judges at the Court of Session are currently considering the legal challenge regarding the policy. The SPS maintains that "currently, almost 80% of accommodation decisions" house transgender people in line with their biological sex.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left3Leaning Right4Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution40% Right
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Right
40% Right
L 30%
C 30%
R 40%
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