May 19, 2013
The State Assembly has voted to allow prison inmates to drink communion wine despite a state law that forbids giving inmates intoxicating substances.
The exemption would allow inmates to consume up to two ounces of wine as part of a religious service.
Supporters say that wine is a fundamental part of Christianity and preventing its use encroaches on religious freedom.
But corrections officials worry the exemption would make it harder to curb the alcohol abuse that landed so many prisoners behind bars in the first place.
The Assembly adopted the measure by a 76-15 vote. The state Senate already passed the bill last month. Governor Doyle has not said whether he will sign it
