Transgender inmate sues NC prison over witchcraft rights

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A transgender inmate is suing a North Carolina prison, saying it's blocking her from practicing witchcraft.

Jennifer Ann Jasmaine, 40, said in the lawsuit that chaplains at the all-male Lanesboro Correctional Institution have violated her constitutional rights by restricting when, where and how she can practice Wicca, the religion based on ancient pagan beliefs.

Jasmaine also said Lanesboro refused to provide her with the foods Wiccans are supposed to eat.

Lanesboro is a maximum-security prison about 45 miles southeast of Charlotte.

The lawsuit, filed this month, seeks a jury trial and $1 in damages from each of the chaplains.

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Associated Press