RE: So much about religious liberty
February 8, 2019 at 8:57 pm
(This post was last modified: February 8, 2019 at 9:11 pm by Brian37.)
(February 8, 2019 at 8:43 pm)wyzas Wrote: Sounds like the imam was present, just not allowed into the execution chamber as the imam was not a member of the execution team (among other reasons).
https://www.npr.org/2019/02/08/692605056...y-his-side
https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/1...Vacate.pdf
Still discrimination. They claimed it would be a "security risk" because he was not an employee.
BULLSHIT.
In high security prisons, there are screenings when you go in. So if this Imam would have tried something, he would have had to have been a martial artist, and even then, even if he tried to hurt the guards or executioners there would have been a sudden and quick reaction negating it very quickly. Death row especially is highly policed by the guards. I find this argument to be nothing short of bullshit. The priest who gets a paycheck is government funded religion. And that priest isn't a trained prison guard either.
So the next question is, if they really mean it, then why are they not hiring Muslim chaplins who would be allowed in?
Not buying it.
The government should not be giving a holy person a paycheck, OF ANY LABEL, to do a job.
I would say that if a Christian or Muslim or Jew or anyone on death row wants a holy person of their choice, they should have it, and if that holy person wants a pay, then it should be funded by donations taken by the local holy place they lead. But to me, if religion is about altruism and not money, priest or Imam, why the fuck are you asking for a paycheck from government. If religion is about charity, even outside prison, for whatever reason, then that holy person should rely on donations from those who follow them, and not take government money.
But for this right wing court to pin in on security, that priest is not a security guard so this is just fucking bullshit.
Now, the thing I would do, if I were that imam, is to apply for a job there as a chaplin and see what happens. Most likely in that state they'd find a reason not to hire him. But if they did, how many want to bet even if that imam were a prison employee they'd find another excuse.
I think the simple solution is to have any last words from a holy person in a separate room, employee or not. Otherwise this is simply discrimination.
