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Convicted multiple-murderer David Bain has baulked at a new prison policy making all inmates wear bright-orange jumpsuits when receiving visitors.
Bain, an inmate at Christchurch Men's Prison who is awaiting a Privy Council decision on his case, has said he will refuse to see visitors if he has to wear the overalls.
In the past, only high-security inmates or those who had been caught with contraband were forced to wear the overalls, which are secured by a plastic tie at the neck to prevent items being placed inside clothing.
The Corrections Department said the rule would be introduced at all prisons to limit the smuggling of contraband.
The overalls also made prisoners easily distinguishable from visitors in large visiting halls and limited the chances of escapes, the department said.
One of Bain's regular visitors, Christina Gibb, said he felt the rule was humiliating.
"He said he'd rather not see anyone than see them in those humiliating things," she said.
"Seeing visitors is the only time they get to feel normal, to have normal conversations and to try to forget they are a prisoner."
Howard League for Penal Reform spokeswoman Kathy Dunstall said forcing all inmates to wear the overalls was "dehumanising".
- NZPA
