JEAN-JACQUES GAUTIER NPM SYMPOSIUM 2015 Another danger identified by participants is that the separation of LGBT inmates from the rest of the prison population could, in extreme cases, result in the creation of detention institutions exclusively reserved for LGBT persons. Despite the intention to prevent abuse and discrimination against LGBT detainees this could have the reverse effect, for example, by reinforcing stigmatisation and depriving them of certain rights, such as access to detention activities. “If we consider prisons as a mirror of society, placing LGBT prisoners in isolation, or even in the Pink Prison, doesn’t tackle the core problem of the general discrimination against LGBT persons in society… In an effort not to further victimise LGBT persons, programmes to change the general behaviour and prejudices against LGBT persons inside and outside of prisons have to be established.” Eva Tanz, Civil Society in the Penal System (CISST), Turkey Participants agreed that in cases where separation seems to be the only solution to protect LGBT detainees, its implementation must be carefully considered by the detaining authorities and should not be systematic. Moreover, the will of the person concerned must always be taken into consideration. In addition, several participants emphasised the fact that the separation of LGBT detainees does not substantively address societal discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The influence of institutional culture The institutional culture of detention facilities in general can also be a significant factor in abuse and discrimination against LGBT persons deprived of their liberty. When the authorities and prison staff are prejudiced with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity, it is likely that this will greatly influence their treatment of LGBT detainees. Given the power inherent in the function of people working in detention institutions - particularly in prisons - they can be a direct party to discrimination against LGBT detainees. Discrimination by detention facility staff can be deliberate, for example by allocating 16