Religious rights of Indian inmates at issue in Maine

Friday, March 9, 2007  

Indian inmates in Maine aren't being allowed to practice their religion as freely as other inmates, tribal leaders and religious groups said at a hearing on Wednesday.

The Legislature's Judiciary Committee considered a bill to ensure that Indian inmates can hold ceremonies in state prisons and county jails. It comes as a group of Indian inmates have sued the state prison for failing to accommodate them.

The state was sued before by Indian inmates, who reached an agreement that has since expired. Denise Lord, an associate commissioner for the Department of Corrections, said it's harder to accommodate Indians than other religious groups.

Get the Story:
Indian inmates' religious rights supported (The Bangor Daily News 3/8)

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