Dept. of Corrections to expand inmate access to group religious activities pursuant tOJ agreement

WASHINGTON (WTNH) – A new policy aims to expand access to group worship and religious activities across the Connecticut Department of Correction (CDOC).

The new policy was announced Friday as a stipulation in an agreement the department made with the Justice Department this week.

According to the Justice Department, the agreement “resolves the department’s investigation of CDOC, pursuant to the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).”

Previous policy around inmate’s group religious practices said only a chaplain or approved outside volunteer of the same faith as the members of the religious group could supervise the groups’ religious gathering.

Now, other staff and chaplains of other faiths will be allowed to supervise group religious practice. Plus, inmates will be allowed to facilitate some of the activities themselves, through a new “inmate conductor” program.

The CDOC will be responsible for collecting and reviewing data on a regular basis to make sure the new policy is working as intended.

U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut said incarcerated people are still guaranteed the right to freely practice religion under federal law.

“We are committed to protecting this fundamental right and are grateful for the Connecticut Department of Correction’s ongoing collaboration to ensure better protection for collective religious services,” Avery said in a statement.