Inmate's Lawsuit Requesting Religious Preaching Has Been Filed

NEW HAVEN, Conn. the U.S. - A prisoner has recently filed a lawsuit against the Department of Correction, asking it to permit him to preach Christianity among inmates.

Peter Paul Ventura Jr, 47, a convicted rapist at the Cheshire Correctional Institution claimed that he has been threatened with disciplinary actions when he "preaches, teaches, or fellowships in the Christian faith," in the prison yard or recreation area, and has filed a suit in Superior Court. He is asking the department to implemnt a policy which allows 4 prisoners gather in any prison yard or dayroom to pratice their faith.

The present prison system permit collective religious activities but they should be led by individuals authorized by the department, such as chaplains or religious volunteers, but not by inmates.

On Ventura's lawsuit, Edward Ramsey, spokesman for the Department of Correction, said that gathering of inmates without supervision has a danger of generating a safety and security issue and that all of its policies are made to ensure the safety of staff, inmates and the public.

The lawsuit has been drawing much public attention, bringing disscussions on balancing individual religion-preaching freedom and actual prison security.