ACLU files suit to protect religious freedom of Nation of Islam inmate at state's David Wade facility
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 9, 2007
"Inmates who practice a belief other than Christianity often have their religious liberty rights dishonored by prison officials despite the requirement for neutrality and accommodation," said Joe Cook, Executive Director, ACLU of Louisiana. "Unless the free exercise of religion poses a safety or security risk, the state cannot interfere with the private practices of an inmate."
Henry Leonard has been a member of the Nation of Islam since 1985. He needs religious reading materials in order to maintain and expand upon his religious faith and belief. Until May 9, 2006, he had not encountered any difficulty in obtaining Nation of Islam publications. Then, about one week later, officials at DWCC denied Mr. Leonard access to and receipt of The Final Call newspaper published by the Nation of Islam.
Subsequently, he has been unable to obtain books and other material from the Nation of Islam. Leonard followed the procedure to protest the denial of access. DWCC, however, claimed that the Final Call 'could promote the breakdown of order through inmate disruption, such as strikes or riots or instigation of inmate unrest for racial or other reasons.'
"There is no evidence to support the state's position that Nation of Islam materials are a threat to the security of the prison," said Nelson Cameron, Cooperating Attorney, ACLU of Louisiana. "The prison has not identified any particular concerns it has about specific passages or text, and, absent such a showing, it violates the Constitution to deny someone the right to practice his religion."
The complaint for Leonard v State of
Since 1920 the American Civil Liberties Union has served as the foremost defender of individual freedom for all. That includes keeping the government neutral in matters related to religion, so everyone may worship as they please.