July 7th 2023.
In June 2023, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a 3-0 ruling in favor of two white inmates who had sued the Michigan Corrections Department. The inmates were looking to have their views on Christian Identity, a religious movement steeped in white supremacy and racism, recognized with the ability to hold services in a Michigan prison.
The decision by the court was met with hesitation from the Corrections Department, who felt that allowing this group to practice their beliefs could put the prison at risk. However, the inmates, Scott Perreault and James Fox, both testified that they would be nonviolent and prevent others from acting aggressively at group services.
The court felt that their testimony was enough to prove that their beliefs would not lead to any violent behavior. Judge Richard Griffin wrote in the decision that the Corrections Department “offered silence in response” and did not present any evidence that showed the inmates were violent.
Perreault, who is serving a life sentence for murder, also informed the court that nonwhites would be welcome at the services, but that they would be informed that the theme is “Caucasian history and heritage, Christian heritage.” He went on to explain that it is not about anyone being a supremacist, but rather about being separatist.
Although the court had issued their ruling in favor of the inmates, the Corrections Department still refused to officially recognize Christian Identity. As a result, the inmates who practice this ideology will not be entitled to group worship or special dietary options afforded to other religions.
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