Wisconsin Legislature Approves Communion Wine In Prisons

The Wisconsin State Journal today reports that the Wisconsin legislature has passed SB 174. It, for the first time, permits prisoners to have access to wine for Communion. The bill, as amended by the State Senate, allows inmates to consume up to 2 ounces of wine as part of a religious service. Opponents of the bill argue that this will exacerbate alcoholism problems among prisoners. However, supporters of the measure argue that denying access to wine violates inmates' religious freedom. They say that wine is a vital part of the sacrament for most Christians. Many ministers and priests say their faith does not permit substituting grape juice.