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US top court says Rastafarian man cannot sue prison guards who cut his dreadlocks
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US top court says Rastafarian man cannot sue prison guards who cut his dreadlocks

BBC News · Jun 23, 2026, 3:57 PM · Also reported by 4 other sources

Key takeaways

  • Growing uncut, uncombed hair into dreadlocks is a symbol of devotion and spiritual growth for Rastafarians
  • The US Supreme Court has ruled that a former Louisiana inmate cannot sue prison officials who forcibly shaved his dreadlocks in violation of his Rastafarian faith.
  • In a 6-3 ruling, the top court said the prisoner, Damon Landor, was not entitled to monetary damages under a federal religious freedom law as it did not apply to individual officials.

Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.

Growing uncut, uncombed hair into dreadlocks is a symbol of devotion and spiritual growth for Rastafarians

The US Supreme Court has ruled that a former Louisiana inmate cannot sue prison officials who forcibly shaved his dreadlocks in violation of his Rastafarian faith.

In a 6-3 ruling, the top court said the prisoner, Damon Landor, was not entitled to monetary damages under a federal religious freedom law as it did not apply to individual officials.

Article preview — originally published by BBC News. Full story at the source.
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