Prisons Will Return Religious Books

AP via SFGate ^ | 9/27/7 | PETE YOST, Associated Press Writer

[SmithL]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Religious materials are being returned to prison chapel libraries, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons said Thursday, confirming plans to modify a program designed to remove religious books and videos that could incite violence.

The change follows objections by members of Congress and religious groups.

Removal of religious material grew out of congressional inquiries and a 2004 Justice Department Inspector General report suggesting that chapel books and videos should be reviewed to ensure they were allowed under prison security policies.

In response, the prison system's religious services branch agreed to provide an automated list of appropriate materials and to advise chaplains to use the automated list for future library purchases.

Only a portion of the material had been examined before prison officials three months ago began a mass removal of religious materials from chapel libraries.

"We got behind the eight-ball" in compiling the list of acceptable books and videos, said bureau spokeswoman Judi Simon Garrett. If materials were not on the partial list, they were removed, and that prompted an outcry from lawmakers and religious groups.

Garrett said material removed since June will be returned to prison chapel libraries unless the material has been found inappropriate, such as books or videos that could be radicalizing or inciting violence.

[Ancient Drive]

it’s gonna be every other religion but Islam.

[biscuit jane]

“...unless the material has been found inappropriate, such as books or videos that could be radicalizing or inciting violence...”

GEE there is only one religion that falls under this
category.

I can just see the headlines now:

‘Christian prisoners riot for more prayer time’

[Alex Murphy]

Ping to read later

[ladyinred]

Ditto, your post.

[Popocatapetl]