Tue 31 Jan 2017 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
The Auckland Pride Festival Board has asked the Department of Corrections to withdraw its application to march in next month's Auckland Pride Parade. The presence of Corrections staff in the parade (see above) became contentious two years ago when transgender rights protest group No Pride In Prisons gatecrashed the parade objecting to the Department's staff, LGBTI and otherwise, marching. In a letter to Corrections, provided this afternoon to GayNZ.com Daily News, a Board representative highlights what it says is the Department's lack of follow-up on its claims last year to be making improvements in the way it treats trans prisoners. It asks Corrections to withdraw its application to participate in the 2017 Pride Parade, suggesting that members who do wish to march in the parade participate as part of the AUT or NZAF groups. “We are particularly conscious that the promised Transgender Prisoner Policy has not been forthcoming despite statements to the contrary appearing in the gay media. We would be especially keen, when this draft document is complete, to consult with our communities in ways that may assist you in formulating the final department policy. Through our conversations last year, it was clearly understood by both parties that Corrections participation in the Auckland Pride Parade would be based on Corrections' ability to demonstrate significant progress in the conditions for transgender prisoners." In the letter, the Pride Board suggests that the Auckland Rainbow Communities Advisory Panel be added to the list of community groups to be consulted. You can read the full text of the Auckland Pride Festival board's letter to Corrections here. GayNZ.com Daily News reporters are seeking comment from Pride and Corrections.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 31st January 2017 - 5:55pm