ACDP supports prohibition of sex in prison
Steve Swart MP

Speaking on behalf of the ACDP, Steve Swart, MP and spokesperson on Correctional Services comes out in support of the unwritten policy of the Department of Correctional Services that prohibits sex in prisons - whether heterosexual, homosexual or consensual, in the belief that convicted criminals forfeit a number of basic freedoms and rights enjoyed by ordinary law-abiding citizens.
The party believes the proposal to allow sex in prison is ill-conceived and should not be implemented. Whilst we appreciate that consensual sex does take place in prisons, it should not be condoned.

To permit consensual sex in prisons would also discriminate against married couples who are not able to engage in sexual activities due to the imprisonment of a partner.

The further danger is that in overcrowded prisons where in most cases sex is forced and abusive, the perpetrator will allege that it was consensual, and the victim will then have to prove that there was no consensus, often in fear of his life due to gangster activities.

The ACDP believes that prison problems that cause frustration, such as overcrowding and the lack of industry by inmates, (as pointed out by the Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons) should be addressed instead.

We are on record as supporting restorative justice programs based on the payment of restitution to victims or community service in the case of criminals convicted of property offences, who are not a danger to society. In this way the severe problem of prison overcrowding and concomitant abuse will be addressed.