Mr. Hyde questions the Minister for Corrective Services regarding actions taken to address issues raised in a report concerning Christian and Muslim Indonesian prisoners' religious practices. The Minister responds by disputing the allegation and outlining existing provisions for religious practice.

AnsweredQoN 4398Legislative Assembly
Asked
24 November 2010
Portfolio
Corrective Services

QuestionView source ↗

In relation to the Report No. 63, Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services, tabled in State Parliament on 15 June 2010, I ask:
(a) what directives, responses and actions has the Minister undertaken to address issues raised in section 5.19, relating to Christian and Muslim Indonesian prisoners’ ability to meaningfully engage with their religion?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
15 February 2011
Responded by
Minister for Corrective Services
Response time
83 days
(a) The Department disputes any allegation that any Christian or Muslim prisoner is prevented from meaningfully engaging with their religion.
Reasonable facilitation for religious practices is afforded to all prisoners in line with the Department's Policy Directive 7.
For example, with respect to Muslim prisoners;
o   Korans are provided by the prison for use.
o   Muslim prisoners who arrive at Hakea with a prayer mat in their possession are permitted to retain the prayer mat in their possession while in custody.
o   An Imam (Muslim spiritual leader) provides regular pastoral care to Muslim prisoners at Hakea and attends the prison on most Fridays to lead prayers.  Prisoners who have a prayer mat in their possession are permitted to bring the mat with them when they attend prayers.
o   Sarongs (mentioned explicitly in s. 5.19 of the report) are not permitted because they are aligned more with cultural than spiritual requirements; Allowing the exception for men to wear sarongs would establish a precedent for prisoners of other cultures to make the case for being allowed to wear their traditional garb. This would complicate prison operations as many customary/traditional clothing or accessories present safety/security risks.
All practitioners of other faiths are similarly accommodated.
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