New York Inmates Sue Over Eclipse Lockdown, Citing Religious Rights

Six inmates at Woodbourne Correctional Facility argue that the state's lockdown during the solar eclipse infringes on their religious freedoms.

Six inmates at Woodbourne Correctional Facility in New York are suing the state's Department of Corrections, claiming a lockdown during the solar eclipse violates their religious freedoms.
The plaintiffs, representing diverse faiths including Christianity, Islam, Santeria, and atheism, argue that viewing the eclipse is critical to their religious practices.
New York's corrections department has imposed a lockdown to ensure safety during the eclipse, restricting inmates to their housing units.
Some inmates were initially granted permission to view the eclipse and were to be provided with protective glasses, but this was revoked following the lockdown announcement.
The lawsuit emphasizes the significance of the eclipse to various religious traditions, highlighting its importance for communal observance and spiritual reflection.