By PHILIP MARCELO (Associated Press)
NEW YORK (AP) — Inmates in New York are suing the state corrections department because they are not allowed to participate in the upcoming total solar eclipse due to a lockdown.
The lawsuit was filed on Friday in federal court in upstate New York. It argues that the lockdown on April 8 violates the inmates’ constitutional rights to practice their religions by stopping them from taking part in an important religious event.
The six plaintiffs, who follow different religions and are imprisoned at the Woodbourne Correctional Facility in Woodbourne, include a Baptist, a Muslim, a Seventh-Day Adventist, two practitioners of Santeria, and an atheist.
The complaint explains that a solar eclipse is a rare and significant natural event with religious importance to many, citing descriptions in Bible passages and sacred Islamic writings.
The celestial event occurs infrequently and is considered a time for gathering, celebration, worship, and prayer, according to the complaint.
The lawsuit mentions that one plaintiff, an atheist, was initially allowed to view the eclipse with special glasses provided by the state. However, this was before the lockdown was announced.
Four other plaintiffs requested permission to view the eclipse but were denied because officials said the eclipse isn't a holy day for their religions. The sixth inmate did not receive a response.
Thomas Mailey, a spokesperson for the corrections department, mentioned that the agency does not comment on ongoing legal matters, but does consider all requests for religious accommodations. Requests related to viewing the eclipse are currently being reviewed.
Daniel Martuscello III, the acting commissioner, issued a memo on March 11 stating that all state correctional facilities will operate on a holiday schedule on the day of the eclipse.
This means that inmates will be confined to their housing units except for emergencies from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., which is the usual time for outdoor recreation in prisons.
Visitation will not be allowed at nearly two dozen prisons in the path of totality, and visitation at other correctional facilities will end at 2 p.m.
Martuscello mentioned that the department will provide safety glasses for staff and inmates at prisons in the path of totality so they can view the eclipse from their assigned work location or housing units.
The best viewing of the total eclipse is expected in communities in western and northern areas of the state, including Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Lake Placid, and Plattsburgh.
The total eclipse is anticipated to be visible in those parts of New York around 3:15 p.m. and will last for a short time as the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, temporarily blocking the sun and causing a brief period of darkness.
