A Hong Kong court has agreed to hear a judicial challenge by detained activist Chow Hang-tung objecting to a “plainly arbitrary” rule that dictates female prisoners must wear trousers during the daytime all year round at the expense of their health.
The High Court on Tuesday handed down a written decision by Mr Justice Russell Coleman ruling that Chow Hang-tung’s application for judicial review had sufficient merits to warrant a substantive inquiry. Another female inmate was also granted permission to challenge the same prison policy but dropped the case before a full hearing.
Chow argued that the Correctional Services Department policy subjected her to less favorable treatment compared to male counterparts, as female inmates are required to wear long trousers year-round while males can wear shorts in the summer.
In a landmark decision, the Hong Kong court has agreed to address the issue raised by activist Chow Hang-tung regarding the mandatory trousers policy for female prisoners. The court ruled in favor of a substantive inquiry into the matter, acknowledging the potential discriminatory treatment faced by women in prison. Chow’s legal challenge highlights the disparity in clothing regulations between male and female inmates, pointing out the health implications and arbitrary nature of the rule. This case sheds light on gender equality issues within the criminal justice system and emphasizes the importance of fair treatment for all individuals, regardless of gender.
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