Supreme Court denies Rastafarian’s lawsuit after he was forcibly shaved bald behind bars

ABC News Radio2 hours ago

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A light rain falls outside of the U.S. Supreme Court ahead of the release of new opinions on June 23, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

(WASHINGTON) — A narrowly divided Supreme Court on Tuesday denied a Louisiana man the ability to sue state prison officials for damages after they forcibly shaved him bald behind bars, allegedly violating his religious rights as a devout Rastafarian.

In a 6-3 decision, the court’s conservative majority said federal law did not permit the plaintiff, Damon Landor, to seek money from individual state employees.

Landor, whose locks of hair had grown uncut for 20 years, has said he felt “raped” by the experience.

The ruling was a victory for states, which said such claims could bankrupt them.

Religious rights advocates warned that it would severely restrict the ability of victims of religious discrimination to sue for justice and accountability.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.