Prison board approves religious policy some find too restrictive
By The Associated Press
09.15.01
YORK, Pa. — The York County Prison Board has voted to require smaller religious groups to ask the panel's permission before conducting services in the prison.
Under the new rules, major faith groups such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism would be permitted to conduct services, but other faiths would be required to meet certain standards before officials would allow worshippers to meet in the prison.
The regulations cemented a decision by the board two months ago to deny a request by the Jehovah's Witnesses to hold services for prison inmates.
Those who voted for the proposal Sept. 11 said it was adopted because the number of religious groups made administrative coordination difficult.
"It's virtually impossible to accommodate everybody," said county solicitor David Craun.
Chris Reilly, York County's president commissioner, was the lone prison board member to vote against the new standards.
"I feel that the policy should allow all but the most unreasonable and inappropriate religious practices," Reilly said.
"What if there are five people?" Reilly asked. "What if there are three? Do you deny them their religious freedom because the group's too small?"
Other commissioners denied the policy was restrictive, saying it could be altered on a case-by-case basis. Groups that have 25 or more members in any section of the prison could automatically qualify under the new rules, and other petitions would be considered by the board.
"This isn't a policy that's set in granite," said Commissioner Shirley Glass. "It can be altered if it needs to be."
Warden Thomas Hogan said the policy formalized the prison's current method of dealing with religion.
"If somebody has a legitimate concern and needs to be heard, then we'll certainly listen to it," Hogan said.