(1) All persons who are confined to a correctional facility as defined in section 17-1-102 shall have the right to worship according to the dictates of their consciences, and such persons shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to freely exercise their religious beliefs without fear of retaliation or discrimination for the free exercise thereof. The practice of religion by any particular sect may not be curtailed or prohibited unless such practices threaten the reasonable security interests of the correctional facility.
Upon the request of any inmate, and to the extent practicable and consistent withreasonable security considerations, religious facilities shall be made available in a nondiscriminatory manner. Services shall be held and advice and ministration given within the buildings or grounds of the correctional facility where the inmate is confined. Attendance at any services so provided shall be voluntary.
The department shall permit access to objects of a religious nature where possessionof such objects would not unduly burden the reasonable security interests of the correctional facility. Prison officials shall accord appropriate respect for sacred objects. When the reasonable security interests of the correctional facility necessitate the inspection of any sacred object, such inspection shall be done visually.
In order to provide for and attend to the spiritual needs of inmates, the departmentshall permit inmates to consult with and receive spiritual advice and ministration from a spiritual leader.
This section shall not require the department of corrections to construct additionalfacilities, remodel or reconfigure existing structures, or hire additional employees to meet the directives of this section.
Source: L. 92: Entire article added, p. 250, § 1, effective May 26.