When CFIC was asked by Sudbury.com what we thought about a policy that prohibited all reading materials — except religious texts — to people on suicide watch in the Sudbury jail, CFIC Secular Chair Leslie Rosenblood was quick to respond.
“There is no evidence that I have ever encountered that indicates that religious texts are effective in helping those who have suicidal ideation,” Leslie said.
The piece also references CFIC’s Cost of Religion reports, which reveal, among many other things, that our government is guilty of the “subsidization of religious charities to the tune of $5 billion a year.” This unacceptable. Read the full article for more information.
Couldn’t the prohibition of all reading materials — except religious texts — to people on suicide watch in the Sudbury jail possibly be construed as a violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
Sure sounds like a Charter violation!
I am going to investigate this with a contact I have who might have information! Stay tuned.
Paraphrasing from my contact: there is one little twist to this sad story – staples. Apparently one (for the reason I – {KD} can now see) materials should be largely unrestricted as to content and there should have been more than restriction, but also intervention. But staples are apparently (often, always) forbidden.