Bill aims to cement religious protections for North Dakota inmates
The bill states that prison or jail administrators may not burden the exercise of religion by an offender in the custody of the correctional facility under most circumstances. The proposal also says prisons and jails can t deny clergy access to an inmate. Written By: Jeremy Turley | ×
Rep. Steve Vetter, R-Grand Forks, speaks at a hearing in the North Dakota Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 2. Jeremy Turley / Forum News Service
BISMARCK A group of North Dakota Republicans has brought forward a bill that would prohibit jail and prison staff from hindering an inmate s religious practices. The proposal would also bar top state officials from requiring churches and other places of worship to close during emergencies or natural disasters.