Prison Ban on Indian Sweat Lodges Voided

SALT LAKE CITY — A federal judge ruled unconstitutional a Utah State Prison ban on the use of ceremonial sweat lodges by Indian inmates.

Indians packed into the courtroom broke into applause, and some into tears; and, outside, members of several tribes chanted and pounded ceremonial drums to celebrate the Thursday order by U.S. District Judge J. Thomas Greene.

Inmates had fought for two years to be allowed to conduct religious ceremonies in the small canvas- and blanket-covered structures.

Greene said the lodges were used at other prisons and he rejected arguments that they posed a security risk. He said prison officials may decide how, when and where the sweat lodge is used and who may use it.