Supreme Court rules for Native American inmates in Alabama
Doug Dark Horns Bailey talks about trying to practice his religious beliefs during the more than 18 years he spent in prison.
From Montgomery Observer
The U.S. Supreme Court says a lower court must reconsider whether Native Americans in Alabama prisons can have longer hair.
The high court on Monday reversed an 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that had upheld an Alabama Department of Corrections policy saying Native American inmates had to keep their hair cut short, which Native Americans argue deny them their right to religious expression.
As is often the case, the justices did not issue an opinion with its ruling, but ordered the 11th Circuit to reconsider the decision in light of its ruling last week in Holt v. Hobbs. In that case, the court ruled that the Arkansas Department of Correction could not deny a Muslim inmate’s request to grow a half-inch beard in accordance with his religious beliefs, saying the state had failed to show a compelling reason to deny the request.
Bob Horton, a spokesman for ADOC, said in a statement that the decision was expected.
“Until the 11th Circuit has a hearing and offers a ruling, ADOC will continue to enforce its current policy,” the statement said.
