Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Prison inmates sue to watch ‘religious’ event after New York orders jail lockdown

livemint.com:

solar eclipse is a rare, natural phenomenon with great religious significance to many." The plea argues that phenomenon like a solar eclipse have been described in the Bible as well as in the sacred Islamic works during Jesus' crucifixion and when Prophet Muhammad's son died, respectively. The complaint asserts that the celestial event was last visible in the United States in 2017 and won't be seen again until 2044. It warrants "gathering, celebration, worship, and prayer," the complaint reads.

It also alleged that the atheist had received a special permission to watch the April 8 Total Solar Eclipse but now the lockdown has been announced. Four of the other plaintiffs subsequently sought permission but were denied by officials who ruled the solar eclipse is not listed as a holy day for their religions, the lawsuit states. The sixth inmate said he never received a response.

Thomas Mailey, a corrections department spokesperson, said the agency doesn't comment on pending litigation, but takes all requests for religious accommodations under consideration. Daniel Martuscello III, the department's acting commissioner, issued a memo March 11 announcing that all state correctional facilities will operate on a holiday schedule next Monday. That means incarcerated individuals will remain in their housing units except for emergency situations from 2 pm to 5 pm, which are generally the normal hours for outdoor recreation in prisons, according to the lawsuit.