Restrictions on prayer and worship time in a federal prison in Indiana are being challenged by the ACLU in a lawsuit filed June 16. Inmates in a specially controlled facility of 40 prisoners are allowed 1 hour of group prayer a week, though – the complaint apparently alleges – other group activities are allowed with fewer limitations.
Ken Falk, legal director of the ACLU of Indiana, questioned policies allowing prisoners out of their cells to watch television, play cards or engage in other group activities but limiting group worship to one hour on Fridays.
"That means four people can sit around the table playing cards or talking about the basketball game but they can't worship," Falk said.
Muslim tradition places a greater emphasis on praying in groups than praying in solitude. 30 of the 40 housed in the Communications Management Unit are Muslim, according to the AP report.
This suit is not the same as one they filed 2 days later, making more sweeping charges against the creation of, and conditions in, this particular unit.
