§ Lord Donaldson of Kingsbridgeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Prison Department recognises Rastafarianism as a religion for the purposes of description be religious denomination, access to ministers of religion, access to facilities for worship, respect for dietary wishes and respect for the right to adopt certain forms of hair-style.
542WA
§ Lord BelsteadIn the mid-1970s the Prison Department undertook extensive consultation, including reference to the High Commission for Jamaica, to determine whether Rastafarianism should be treated as a religion for the purposes of the Prison Act, in relation to the statutory provision for the appointment of ministers, facilities for worship, religious books and exemption from work for approved religious festivals. The conclusion eventually reached, in the absence of any church or central religious authority from whom information about beliefs or dress could be obtained or of any recognised religious leaders, was that the movement could not be recognised as a religion under the Prison Act and for related purposes. Further consideration is now being given to Rastafarianism as a religion by the Commission for Racial Equality. Meanwhile, prison catering officers are encouraged to be as responsive to dietary preferences as resources will allow. As to haircuts, a governor has the right (with only a very few exceptions) to require the hair of any inmate to be cut for the sake of hygiene or neatness. Governors generally have a tolerant approach to long hair, including Rastafarian styles.