Print |
E-mail to a friend
FEATURED
W.Va. inmate says he’s denied religious rights
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A West Virginia prison inmate says the state is denying him his right to freely practice his Native American religion.
Among other things, 42-year-old Bobby Eugene Roddy wants the state Supreme Court to order the Division of Corrections to provide him with a sweat lodge for a weekly ceremony. He also insists on two prayer pipe ceremonies per week.
Roddy goes by the spiritual name “Running Cougar.”
His petition to the court also asks that he be allowed to grow his hair long and to be able to wear ceremonial garb.
Corrections Commissioner Jim Rubenstein says the agency doesn’t prohibit any inmate from practicing a legitimate religious belief. He says some requests have to be denied, though, for safety and security concerns.
Justices are scheduled to consider the case next Thursday.
