Hong Kong court to hear Chow Hang-tung’s challenge against female prisoners’ attire
Detainee Chow Hang-tung’s filing argues rule that forces female prisoners to perennially wear trousers in the daytime compromises their health
A Hong Kong court has agreed to hear a judicial challenge by detained activist Chow Hang-tung over a “plainly arbitrary” rule that dictates female prisoners must wear trousers during the daytime all year round, arguing it impacts their health.
Chow argued in her written application that she had been subject to less favourable treatment compared with her male counterparts under the Correctional Services Department policy.
Her court filing pointed out that under prison rules, female inmates must wear long trousers during the daytime 365 days a year without exception, whereas their male counterparts are allowed to wear shorts in the summer.
On the other hand, female prisoners were “deliberately” compelled to wear shorts during nighttime activities and physical training sessions.