Wiccan inmate sues Texas prison system

McALLEN, USA - A Texas inmate who is a practicing Wiccan has filed a federal lawsuit against the Texas prison system because he says he can't practice his religion behind bars.

Wicca is a religion that follows the cycle of the moon and seasons and the sun rather than one central deity.

Twenty-eight-year-old Charles Roberts alleges he has asked repeatedly for religious books and to have a service at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Lopez Unit but no arrangements have been made.

Roberts is seeking $500,000 in damages and wants the department to grant his religious requests.

A spokesman for the prison system wouldn't comment on Roberts' specific claims, but said the department has established policies for accommodating minority religious groups.