April 8 total solar eclipse: New York inmates sue state over prison lockdown orders to watch rare phenomenon

Inmates in New York have filed a lawsuit against the state corrections department over its decision to lock down the prisons during the total solar eclipse which will take place next Monday (April 8) and will be seen across Mexico, the United States and Canada.

About the lawsuit

The suit was filed last week in a federal court in upstate New York by six inmates incarcerated at the Woodbourne Correctional Facility, saying that the lockdown violates their constitutional rights to practice their faiths.

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The six inmates included men from varying religious backgrounds and one atheist, who had prior permission to view the rare phenomenon. “A solar eclipse is a rare, natural phenomenon with great religious significance to many,” their complaint reads, as quoted by the Associated Press.

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The complaint also noted that before the announcement of the lockdown, one of the plaintiffs, an atheist, received special permission last month to view the eclipse using glasses that would be provided by the state.

Subsequently, four men sought permission but were denied since a solar eclipse is not listed as a holy day for their religions. The request by the sixth inmate, according to the lawsuit, never received a response.

What does the lockdown order say?

The department’s acting commissioner, Daniel Martuscello III, issued a memo earlier this month saying that all correctional facilities will operate on a holiday schedule on April 8.

In line with this, incarcerated individuals will remain in their housing units except for emergencies from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (local time) around the time when inmates typically have their outdoor recreation, said the lawsuit.

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The memo also said that the department will distribute solar eclipse safety glasses for staff and those incarcerated at prisons in the path of totality so they can view the eclipse from their assigned work location or housing units.

About the upcoming total solar eclipse

During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely blocks the face of the sun for a brief period known as totality. Around 32 million Americans who are located along the 185-kilometre-wide path of totality will have the chance to view the celestial spectacle.

The upcoming celestial event is also a historic one since another total solar eclipse won’t be visible across the contiguous US again until August 2044.

(With inputs from agencies)