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The New York Department of Corrections is being sued by inmates at Woodbourne Correctional Facility over a compulsory lockdown that may deny them the prospect to see a uncommon photo voltaic eclipse.
The inmates argue that the lockdown infringes upon their constitutional proper to observe their faith, as witnessing the photo voltaic eclipse holds significance for them spiritually.
Based on the lawsuit, the group of inmates consists of people from numerous spiritual backgrounds, resembling a Muslim, a Baptist, a Seventh-Day Adventist, two Santería believers, and an atheist.
They’ve “expressed a sincerely held religious belief that April’s solar eclipse is a religious event that they must witness and reflect on to observe their faiths.”
Jeremy Zielinski, an inmate, highlighted the eclipse’s significance to his atheist beliefs, symbolizing “science and reason,” as per their lawsuit. But, the lockdown announcement took away their likelihood to witness it.
“Mr. Zielinski firmly believes that observing the solar eclipse with people of different faiths is crucial to practicing his own faith because it is a central aspect of atheism to celebrate common humanity and bring people together to encourage people to find common ground,” the lawsuit states.
Based on New York information outlet Hell Gate, David Haigh, a Seventh-Day Adventist, shared, “It will be 20 years before another opportunity like this exists. I don’t believe that just because I am incarcerated that I should be denied this opportunity, especially when this eclipse is scheduled to happen during normal outside recreation time.”
A consultant for the Department of Corrections said that security glasses for viewing the eclipse could be supplied to inmates “in the event they will be able to view the eclipse from their assigned work location or housing units.”
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