look news india
New Delhi, July 17 (HS). The Central Government has asked the states and union territories to ensure that all persons lodged in jails are treated equally and there is no discrimination of any kind against any person, especially a person belonging to the gay community (LGBTQ+).
The Home Ministry has written a letter in this regard to the Home Secretaries and Jail Chiefs. In his letter, Director (Prison Reforms) Arun Sobti said that it has come to the notice of the Home Ministry that members of the gay community (LGBTQ+) are often discriminated against due to their gender identity or sexual orientation and often face violence and humiliation. With a view to ensuring that the gay community does not face any discrimination in access to goods and services which are available to the general public, especially in the context of prison visitation rights, the guidelines are reiterated.
The prison authorities have been requested to sensitize the concerned authorities to ensure that all persons are treated equally in a fair and just manner and there is no discrimination of any kind against any person, especially those belonging to the homosexual community. The Home Ministry has also shared the Model Prison Manual, 2016 and the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023 with all states for implementation.