Inmates at the Woodbourne Correctional Facility in New York state’s Sullivan County will be allowed to view Monday’s solar eclipse, following a lawsuit filed by six inmates over being denied the opportunity. The inmates argued that not being able to witness the total eclipse would violate their religious rights, as they view it as a religious event. Lawyers representing the inmates stated that the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has agreed to allow the inmates to view the eclipse in accordance with their sincerely held religious beliefs.
The lawsuit, filed by attorneys Chris McArdle, Sharon Steinerman, and Madeline Byrd of Alston & Bird, was withdrawn after the corrections department agreed to allow the inmates at Woodbourne to view the eclipse. The inmates had also requested that eclipse glasses be provided for viewing purposes. The department had previously issued a memo stating that facilities would operate on a holiday schedule on the day of the eclipse, with no movement allowed from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m, keeping inmates in their cells during the event.
The Department of Corrections noted that they had begun reviewing religious requests to view the eclipse, including those from the six inmates at Woodbourne, prior to the lawsuit being filed. The department continued to analyze and review requests during the pendency of the lawsuit, ultimately agreeing to permit the six individuals to view the solar eclipse as part of a binding settlement agreement. The lawsuit cited religious texts that refer to periods of darkness, such as during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in Christianity and an eclipse associated with the death of Muhammad’s son and a call to prayer in Islam.
The solar eclipse on Monday will be the first visible in the United States since 2017, with the next one not expected until 2044. For those in the path of the total eclipse, the sky will become dark as the moon obscures the sun. The event is highly anticipated by many, and the opportunity to view it is significant for the inmates at Woodbourne who are now able to observe the eclipse in accordance with their religious beliefs. This settlement highlights the importance of respecting the religious rights of individuals, even those who are incarcerated, to participate in significant events such as the solar eclipse.
The lawsuit concerning the viewing rights of the eclipse for inmates at Woodbourne Correctional Facility in New York has been resolved with a settlement agreement that allows the six plaintiffs to witness the event. The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision agreed to permit the inmates to view the solar eclipse based on their sincerely held religious beliefs. This decision comes after the inmates argued that not being able to see the eclipse would violate their religious rights and that they view it as a significant religious event.
By withdrawing the lawsuit after reaching the agreement with the corrections department, the inmates have secured the right to view the eclipse in accordance with their religious beliefs. The suit also requested that eclipse glasses be provided for safe viewing. The department had previously issued a memo outlining special procedures for the day of the eclipse, restricting inmate movement during the event. The resolution of the lawsuit ensures that the inmates at Woodbourne will have the opportunity to observe the solar eclipse and participate in this celestial event.
