Indian inmates in Maine sue corrections officials

Wednesday, February 14, 2007  

Indian inmates in the Maine State Prison are suing state corrections officials in federal court over religious freedom.

The inmates say officials have failed to abide by a settlement agreement reached as part of a similar lawsuit that was filed in 2003. The agreement expired and the prison decided not to renew it, a corrections commissioner said.

A group called Sacred Feather, Native American Circle and 10 inmates say the prison has failed to provide an outdoor shelter for ceremonies. They also say Christian groups are being provided money, staff assistance and a private space.

The plaintiffs want the court to ensure their ability to practice smudging and pipe ceremonies, provide the outdoor shelter, build a sweat lodge, allow them to keep prayer blankets and other items in cells and allocate money for their group.

Get the Story:
Indians sue officials at state prison (The Bangor Daily News 2/13)

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