Supreme Court weighs Rastafarian man's religious rights claim over shorn dreadlocks

The Supreme Court weighs whether a devout Rastafarian can seek damages against Louisiana prison officials who cut his dreadlocks in violation of his religious rights.

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Monday will weigh whether a devout Rastafarian can bring a damages claim against Louisiana prison officials who cut his dreadlocks in violation of his religious rights.

The court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, is often solicitous toward religious claims, although the bulk of recent cases have involved cases brought by conservative Christians.

Prior to the 2020 incident at the Raymond Laborde Correctional Center, Damon Landor had not cut his hair for almost 20 years, following a practice known as the Nazarite vow.

Landor was serving a five-month sentence on a drug-related charge when he was transferred to the facility.

Over his objections, a corrections officer handcuffed him to a chair while two others shaved his head.