The Bush administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in a case that is being compared to the Native American Church's use of peyote.

Last month, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a religious group in New Mexico could use a hallucinogenic tea deemed illegal by federal authorities. O Centro Espirita Beneficiente Uniao do Vegetal, also known as UDV, says its use of the tea is comparable to peyote ceremonies and should be protected. Government lawyers and Native American Church groups reject the comparison.

The Supreme Court granted a temporary stay after Attorney General Ashcroft appealed. But the stay was lifted last week so that UDV members can use the tea for a Christmas ceremony.

Get the Story:
Supreme Court Allows Church to Use Hallucinogenic Tea (AP 12/13)

UDV Court Decisions:
En Banc (November 12, 2004) | Panel (September 4, 2003) | Federal Judge (September 12, 2002)

Peyote Decision:
State of Utah v. Mooney (June 22, 2004) (7/12)

Relevant Links:
Uniao do Vegetal - http://www.udv.org.br
Ayahuasca - http://www.ayahuasca.com/

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