Hengest
11-08-2006, 12:32 PM
Arkansas
Hard work by our Prison Affairs coordinator Laurel Owen AOR and by our members writing letters has paid off in Arkansas. Until recently there had been a real problem for Odinists with religious preferences being ignored, pressure from one chaplain to partake in church activities, being put in solitary with a bible, Odinist material being banned as gang related etc. Laurel was even suspended after one visit for not reprimanding a prisoner whose hammer fell outside his shirt and for "Discussing conditions of confinement with an inmate" when she hailed a prisoner who, during sumbel, mentioned a lawsuit to allow runes in prison.
Following a letter writing campaign Laurel was invited to visit the unit at Ouchita River where there is an upcoming Hearth. During this visit she secured the right to hold a Yule feast, to have runes available in the chapel which can be booked out to individuals (this is a step up from Runes being completely outlawed), to set up an Odinist library and to hold a monthly study group IF we can find somebody to go in from the outside once a month.
These concessions are a real victory in the fight to have our faith recognised by authorities. Remember that when rights are one by prisoners it makes it easier for those in the free world to claim those rights.
New Jersey
The New Jersey Dept of Corrections called Laurel Owen several months ago about setting up an Odinist program in that state. They wanted her opinions and input and of course she obliged. One of our members is doing time in that state. So we waited and waited for the verdict. When it arrived it was great news. New Jersey has approved Odinism for the state prisons!
Hard work by our Prison Affairs coordinator Laurel Owen AOR and by our members writing letters has paid off in Arkansas. Until recently there had been a real problem for Odinists with religious preferences being ignored, pressure from one chaplain to partake in church activities, being put in solitary with a bible, Odinist material being banned as gang related etc. Laurel was even suspended after one visit for not reprimanding a prisoner whose hammer fell outside his shirt and for "Discussing conditions of confinement with an inmate" when she hailed a prisoner who, during sumbel, mentioned a lawsuit to allow runes in prison.
Following a letter writing campaign Laurel was invited to visit the unit at Ouchita River where there is an upcoming Hearth. During this visit she secured the right to hold a Yule feast, to have runes available in the chapel which can be booked out to individuals (this is a step up from Runes being completely outlawed), to set up an Odinist library and to hold a monthly study group IF we can find somebody to go in from the outside once a month.
These concessions are a real victory in the fight to have our faith recognised by authorities. Remember that when rights are one by prisoners it makes it easier for those in the free world to claim those rights.
New Jersey
The New Jersey Dept of Corrections called Laurel Owen several months ago about setting up an Odinist program in that state. They wanted her opinions and input and of course she obliged. One of our members is doing time in that state. So we waited and waited for the verdict. When it arrived it was great news. New Jersey has approved Odinism for the state prisons!