A satanist in New Mexico who is serving jail time for aggravated assault filed a lawsuit against the state Correction’s Department, alleging prison authorities have unconstitutionally barred him from worshiping Satan.
Bernard Pritchard, 64, filed the suit in Santa Fe’s 1st Judicial District Court against the department, the prison chaplain and a deputy warden, United Press International reported. He says that his inability to worship Satan has caused him “emotional injuries” and he wants $140,000 in compensatory damages, the news outlet reported.
Pritchard didn’t specify how prison authorities kept him from worshiping.
But satanism is listed by the Correction Department as one of several religious beliefs and practices that are “subject to security and safety considerations,” UPI reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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