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Gender equality issues finally getting an airing in prison context
OSAKA--The Osaka Bar Association chided the Justice Ministry for failing to remain in step with the times regarding gender issues--in correctional facilities.
The association called for a relaxation in regulations that determine who, on the basis of gender, can use certain skincare and other products while incarcerated.
Two inmates at Osaka Detention House sought assistance from the bar association because they were not allowed to use skin lotion. One is a man who identifies as female.
The bar association submitted a request to the justice minister that stated rules based on gender violated the Constitution which guarantees equal protection under the law.
In 2007, the Justice Ministry issued instructions regarding the use of various products in correctional and other facilities under its supervision.
For example, skin lotion and hair pins can only be used by female inmates.
Other rules differentiate between individuals awaiting the outcome of a court verdict as opposed to those already convicted.
While men and women in detention awaiting a verdict can use rubber bands to tie their hair, as well as hair rinse, only female convicts can use those items in prison.
Conversely, only male convicts can wear singlets.
Regulations are the same regarding soap and shampoo used by men and women.
An official in the Justice Ministry’s Correction Bureau defended the use of regulations to maintain order in the facilities but said it was unclear why regulations based on gender were made in the first place.
