New York State’s corrections department has allowed six inmates at Woodbourne Correctional Facility to view Monday’s total solar eclipse after they filed a federal lawsuit arguing that the lockdown during the eclipse violated their constitutional right to practice their religion. The men, who come from various religious backgrounds, believe that the eclipse is a religious event that they must witness and reflect on to observe their faith. This decision was considered a huge win for the inmates, who were ecstatic about being able to practice their sincerely held religious beliefs.
Jeremy Zielinski, one of the inmates who filed the lawsuit, is an atheist who initially requested permission to watch the eclipse from the prison’s main yard. When his request was approved in March, other inmates expressed interest in joining him as they also believed that eclipses were significant religious events. However, the corrections department announced a statewide prison lockdown during the eclipse, prompting the inmates to take legal action to ensure they could observe the event. The department’s decision to allow the six men to view the eclipse was considered an appropriate resolution by both parties.
The decision to lock down all New York prisons during the solar eclipse was made to ensure the safety of staff, visitors, and the incarcerated population, as well as to maintain the integrity of the facilities during the event. The inmates who filed the lawsuit were the only ones permitted to view the eclipse as of Thursday evening, but other inmates in state prisons who wish to observe the eclipse for religious reasons can request permission to do so. The department is expected to evaluate those requests similarly to how they handled the request from the six clients at Woodbourne.
Chris McArdle, one of the lawyers representing the inmates, expressed optimism about the decision and credited the court’s help in reaching a resolution before the eclipse. The firm Alston & Bird represented the men without charging them, emphasizing the importance of ensuring they could exercise their right to practice their religion. The inmates were grateful for the opportunity to witness the solar eclipse and reflect on its significance in their faiths, making the outcome a positive experience for them.
Overall, the lawsuit brought by the six inmates at Woodbourne Correctional Facility resulted in a favorable decision from the New York State corrections department, allowing them to view Monday’s total solar eclipse. The resolution was considered a win for the inmates, who believed that their right to practice their sincerely held religious beliefs was being upheld. While the statewide prison lockdown during the eclipse was initially a setback for the inmates, the department’s decision to permit them to observe the event demonstrated a recognition of their constitutional rights. Ultimately, the inmates were able to experience the solar eclipse and reflect on its religious significance, thanks to their legal action and the department’s willingness to accommodate their request.
