Post by Okwes on May 24, 2007 13:39:36 GMT -5
American Indians sue Maine prison again
BANGOR, Maine - American Indian inmates have sued state prison
officials again, claiming they've been denied access to key religious
requirements such as a sweat lodge, powwows and ceremonial food and
music.
The federal lawsuit filed this month said that
while Catholic and Protestant inmates can worship privately in the
prison chapel, American Indians must conduct some ceremonies outside, in
a heavily trafficked area between buildings at the maximum security
prison in Warren. Because of the lack of privacy, participants allege
they have been subjected to derogatory comments and unwelcome stares.
Ten inmates and a prisoners group called Sacred Feather, Native American
Circle seek a private location to conduct ceremonies and permission for
members to buy prayer blankets, tribal attire and other religious items
that can be kept in prison cells. The plaintiffs also want a portion of
funds set aside for religious activities. Denise Lord, associate
corrections commissioner, said she was unaware of the lawsuit. But she
said progress was being made since the prison settled a 2003 lawsuit
that provided an outdoor shelter for religious ceremonies. The inmates
say the shelter is inadequate for certain ceremonies. "It's our intent
to continue to work with them to make sure whatever needs or concerns
are brought to us are managed in a way that is appropriate in a
corrections environment," Lord said.
BANGOR, Maine - American Indian inmates have sued state prison
officials again, claiming they've been denied access to key religious
requirements such as a sweat lodge, powwows and ceremonial food and
music.
The federal lawsuit filed this month said that
while Catholic and Protestant inmates can worship privately in the
prison chapel, American Indians must conduct some ceremonies outside, in
a heavily trafficked area between buildings at the maximum security
prison in Warren. Because of the lack of privacy, participants allege
they have been subjected to derogatory comments and unwelcome stares.
Ten inmates and a prisoners group called Sacred Feather, Native American
Circle seek a private location to conduct ceremonies and permission for
members to buy prayer blankets, tribal attire and other religious items
that can be kept in prison cells. The plaintiffs also want a portion of
funds set aside for religious activities. Denise Lord, associate
corrections commissioner, said she was unaware of the lawsuit. But she
said progress was being made since the prison settled a 2003 lawsuit
that provided an outdoor shelter for religious ceremonies. The inmates
say the shelter is inadequate for certain ceremonies. "It's our intent
to continue to work with them to make sure whatever needs or concerns
are brought to us are managed in a way that is appropriate in a
corrections environment," Lord said.