Get out of gaol free card

[mantra]

The NSW O'Farrell government isn't travelling as well as it was hoped. Unless he's been given instructions from a higher power, he is becoming an extreme socialist. The country is going to be divided by new lax laws for those who don't fit into the mainstream (which is about half the population) but continue under the old regime for the other half.

GAYS and lesbians will be given a get-out-of-jail-free card under proposals to soften the state's bail laws currently before Attorney-General Greg Smith.

Other alleged offenders who are deemed "vulnerable" - including transgender, young or old people and those of "multicultural background" - would also be given an advantage when applying for bail under proposals in a review of the bail laws ordered by Mr Smith.

In a decision which has angered police, the presumption against bail for serious offences like murder, armed robbery, firearms offences and serious sexual assault would also be removed under the proposals from the Law Reform Commission.

The bail review does not stipulate why people of "multicultural background" would be deemed vulnerable but it might apply to those without a strong grasp of English.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/a ... 6258814866

[Outlaw Yogi]

Truly absurd. As a member of modern Australia's most legally discriminated against portion of the community (white heterosexual males), I ask what better way is there to generate contempt for queers? .. Leave them in the boneyard I say.
Those considered at risk or vulnerable already go into the boneyard/protection, and there's also an even more sheltered category and place for those too wimpy for protection - protection from protection. Kid you not.
If exemption from remand becomes a queers' privilege, kiddy fiddlers will invoke the 'at risk' option as a matter of routine and sexual deviancy will gain automatic protected species status.

While I was locked up I was doing a big mural in biro on the wall of my cell, which had a noose hanging from the angle iron bars on the window (no glass) and a pair of angel's wings. I wanted a sample copy of the little man on the monopoly game, so the caption would read 'swing and grow wings is how you get .... ". Went down the rec room and requested the monopoly game, but was informed the gaol/jail didn't allow it. And I replied "But I only want the get out of jail free card"

[Black Orchid]

Maybe in the case of the very young or very old. As for the rest ... tough luck

[Neferti]

PC gone mad?

[TomB]

The NSW O'Farrell government isn't travelling as well as it was hoped. Unless he's been given instructions from a higher power, he is becoming an extreme socialist. The country is going to be divided by new lax laws for those who don't fit into the mainstream (which is about half the population) but continue under the old regime for the other half.

Since when is NSW "The country"? And as usual you've radically misinterpreted & overstated the contents of the story.

Bail should be used to prevent potential absconders or repeat offenders of serious crimes, not as a punishment in it's own right, if a review recommends strict conditional bail for some vulnerable people then it's a good thing. The prison system has a responsibility to keep safe the people on the inside too.

[mantra]

The NSW O'Farrell government isn't travelling as well as it was hoped. Unless he's been given instructions from a higher power, he is becoming an extreme socialist. The country is going to be divided by new lax laws for those who don't fit into the mainstream (which is about half the population) but continue under the old regime for the other half.

Since when is NSW "The country"? And as usual you've radically misinterpreted & overstated the contents of the story.

Bail should be used to prevent potential absconders or repeat offenders of serious crimes, not as a punishment in it's own right, if a review recommends strict conditional bail for some vulnerable people then it's a good thing. The prison system has a responsibility to keep safe the people on the inside too.

Yes that was an error - I should have said state not country. Bail should always be used, regardless of a person's circumstances and it's usually adjusted accordingly if the crime isn't too serious, but they're now going to make too many exceptions so chosen offenders will go out and repeat their crime knowing that they will not be punished.

Why should we make exceptions for gays, or immigrants or anyone else with a sad excuse (and I agree with Orchid) aside from the very young or the very old? These proposed laws will add to the already out of control crime rate in NSW.

[Jovial Monk]

Holding someone in remand is not for punishment but to make sure they turn up to court. I imagine cost saving is the reason for the change—it costs a lot to keep someone locked up.

[Outlaw Yogi]

The NSW O'Farrell government isn't travelling as well as it was hoped. Unless he's been given instructions from a higher power, he is becoming an extreme socialist. The country is going to be divided by new lax laws for those who don't fit into the mainstream (which is about half the population) but continue under the old regime for the other half.

Since when is NSW "The country"?

Since NSW began copying nearly everything California does, and the other states stepping into line, usually within the following 5 years. So about 30 years now.

Why should we make exceptions for gays, or immigrants or anyone else with a sad excuse

We/they shouldn't .. unless our/their ultimate goal is to create a backlash of contempt for such characters from those who don't qualify for queer privileges.

(and I agree with Orchid) aside from the very young or the very old? These proposed laws will add to the already out of control crime rate in NSW.

Most young blokes in gaol/jail don't mind so much. Alot have nothing constructive to do outside gaol/jail, and tend to perceive it as cool or tough, plus it gives them street cred in the plastic gangsta scene.

Holding someone in remand is not for punishment but to make sure they turn up to court. I imagine cost saving is the reason for the change—it costs a lot to keep someone locked up.

Phuk I hate having to admit you're partially correct for a change.
It costs $1,500+ per week per prisoner, but I suspect it has more to do with eliminating compo suits from those who got a hard time in gaol/jail.

[TomB]

Most young blokes in gaol/jail don't mind so much. ....

I suspect that's not true but in any case they are the very type that shouldn't be in gaol getting exposure to career criminals.

[Outlaw Yogi]

Most young blokes in gaol/jail don't mind so much. ....

I suspect that's not true

Don't take my word for it.
Go to jail, do not pass go, go directly to jail.
Then see for yourself.

but in any case they are the very type that shouldn't be in gaol getting exposure to career criminals.

You may have a point. Going to gaol/jail is like being handed the yellow pages of crime.