Muslims Sue Jail System Claiming Religious Bias
Two men in Washington state, who are also followers of Islam, are suing a county alleging that, as practicing muslims, they are being prohibited from practicing their religion while incarcerated.
Raymond Wesley Garland and Larry Edward Tarrer are the two inmates at the center of this controversy; the suit was filed by Lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union and Public Interest Law Group. Among other things, the suit alleges that the men were not allowed to engage in group prayers, were not accommodated with respect to certain dietary restrictions they are required to follow and that religious decorations, clothing and symbols are prohibited within the jail system. The men also complain that incarcerated Christians receive preferential treatment.
“Throughout their incarcerations at the jail, plaintiffs have experienced various forms of religious discrimination, harassment and interference with their ability to practice Islam,” the lawsuit states.
The men seek unspecified damages and an injunction to halt the alleged discriminatory practices. They also seek to have the lawsuit declared a class action to protect “all Muslim men incarcerated, now or in the future, at the Pierce County Jail.”
