An inmate at the Branchville Correctional Facility in Indiana, serving a 55-year sentence for the heinous crime of reckless homicide, has filed a civil lawsuit against the prison chaplain, alleging discrimination in religious practices. Autumn Cordellionè, formerly known as Jonathan C. Richardson, claims that the chaplain restricted his right to wear a hijab outside his immediate bed quarters, despite identifying as a Muslim woman.
In the lawsuit filed on Nov. 30 and obtained by Fox News Digital, Richardson asserts his right to wear the hijab for modesty purposes as an Islamic practicing transwoman. Seeking $150,000 in damages, he aims to wear the hijab “anywhere I go within the facility.” Richardson argues that the chaplain’s refusal violated his 14th amendment rights of equal protection.
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The inmate further alleges that the chaplain’s identification of Richardson’s religious preference as “Wiccan” instead of his self-proclaimed eclectic practices violated his rights. Richardson contends that male Islamic practitioners are allowed to wear their kufis across the facility, highlighting a disparity in treatment.
Richardson claims he faced harassment and ridicule from fellow Muslim prisoners, asserting that the chaplain’s actions subjected him to stigma within his religious community. The Indiana Department of Corrections declined to comment on the pending litigation, and attempts to reach the chaplain by Fox News were unsuccessful.
This legal action follows Richardson’s previous lawsuit against the Indiana Department of Corrections, represented by the ACLU, seeking sex reassignment surgery. The ACLU argues that denying the surgery, prohibited by an Indiana law adopted last summer, constitutes “cruel and unusual punishment.”
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office said, “The ACLU already gave this convicted murderer of an 11-month-old baby a voice when they tried to make taxpayers foot the bill for his ridiculous gender transition surgery request. Our office didn’t let that happen because regular, law abiding Hoosiers want to see justice served—not a killer being catered to while serving time behind bars.”
Societal Spiritual Decline
In the midst of these disturbing legal battles, it’s essential to consider the broader societal context. Instances like these reflect an ongoing spiritual darkness, marked by a departure from God’s morals and principles found in the Bible. The abandonment of foundational truths contributes to a society where individuals grapple with identity crises and moral conflicts.
The Bible warns against such moral decay, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God’s standards. Romans 12:2 encourages believers, saying, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” As Christians, it becomes crucial to shine the light of Jesus in a world increasingly hostile to the Gospel message.
5 Ways Christians Can Illuminate the Darkness:
Live by Example: Demonstrate the love and teachings of Christ through daily actions, emphasizing kindness, compassion and forgiveness (1 Pet. 2:21).
Share the Gospel: Fearlessly proclaim the Gospel and share the redemptive message of Jesus Christ, offering hope to those lost in spiritual darkness (Matt. 28:19).
Pray for Transformation: Engage in fervent prayer for societal transformation, asking God to work in the hearts of individuals and communities (2 Cor. 5:17).
Support Those in Need: Extend support to individuals facing identity struggles or hardships, reflecting the Christian virtue of love for one’s neighbor (Heb. 13:16).
Advocate for Truth: Speak out for biblical truths and principles in a loving manner, standing firm on the foundation of God’s Word (John 14:6).
As Christians navigate these challenging times, they are called to be beacons of light, offering hope and pointing others toward the transformative power of Christ’s love and grace.
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Charisma News Staff
Abby Trivett 
James Lasher 
