Rastafarian Prisoner's Free Exercise Claim Regarding Dreadlocks Proceeds

In Stewart v. Berge (USDC WD WI, 6/23/2005), a Wisconsin federal district judge permitted a prisoner who is a Rastafarian to proceed with a Free Exercise claim based on the refusal of prison officials to take him to a medical appointment unless he cut his dreadlocks or removed his braids. While doubtful that petitioner would succeed in his claim, the court refused to dismiss it until the government showed the purpose for its prohibition on long hair when prisoners are being transferred between facilities.