A jail in Benton County, Arkansas, is refusing to allow an Indian inmate to use an eagle feather for religious ceremonies.

Officials won't let Joe Wolfe Jr. use a feather because they say it can be used as a weapon or for sexual gratification. Wolfe, a convicted murderer, is described as Cherokee.

Wolfe has sued the county for allegedly violating his constitutional rights and for allegedly violating the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. A federal magistrate has sided with Wolfe but U.S. District Judge Jimm Larry Hendren will make the final decision.

Get the Story:
Indian Heritage Group Backs Judge In Feather Flap (The Morning News 10/27)

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