Queer Avengers: "Justice" system perpetrates transphobic injustice
The Queer Avengers are concerned about the recent sentencing of a trans* woman to a male prison. She has been sentenced to 2 years and 1 month after pleading guilty to a charge of wounding with intent to injure on January 17 this year, despite a request for home detention.

“This issue is indicative of transphobia in New Zealand” says Queer Avenger, Sara Fraser.

Fraser continues that the lack of engagement with trans* issues by Judith Collins, and the government as a whole, is unacceptable. "This government has made repeatedly clear that social need is low on their priority list," Fraser adds. "They will only budge on trans* and other rights if we push them."
“How are trans* people in New Zealand to feel safe when MP’s refuse to engage with the wider issue?” Queer Avengers members want to know.

Fraser has a direct question for Minister for Justice, Judith Collins, who has refused to comment: “Are you prepared to have blood on your hands if this woman loses her life as a result of abuse and stress, from being imprisoned in a male prison?”

Queer Avengers state this is a result of ongoing dismissal of trans* rights in New Zealand; it is not the first time this problem has arisen and it needs to be addressed urgently to prevent further loss of life in our trans* communities.

ENDS

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