Inmate sues for right to Satanic worship
A New Mexico inmate has filed a pro se lawsuit claiming prison officials interfered with his right to Satanic worship.
Bernard Pritchard, who is serving time for aggravated stalking, claims violations of the First and Eighth Amendments, along with federal and state laws protecting religious freedom, according to the Santa Fe Reporter. His complaint says he didn’t get to practice his religion in the same manner as adherents of other faiths, although the suit doesn’t offer specifics.
Pritchard is seeking an injunction to allow him to practice his religion, along with $100,000 for emotional injury and $20,000 in punitive damages from each of three defendants, including the state corrections department. Pritchard signed the complaint in July, but a court stamp has a Sept. 3 filing date.
Hat tip to How Appealing.
