Autumn Cordellionè, a biological male who identifies as a woman serving a 55-year sentence for the death of his 11-month-old stepdaughter, has filed a civil lawsuit against a prison chaplain at Indiana’s Branchville Correctional Facility. Cordellionè alleges that he was barred from wearing a hijab outside his immediate sleeping area, despite identifying as Muslim.
Seeking $150,000 in damages, Cordellionè asserts his right to wear the hijab “anywhere I go within the facility” as part of his religious practice. Cordellionè claims that the chaplain’s refusal violated his 14th Amendment rights and alleges violations of his Eighth Amendment rights against cruel and unusual punishment, the Post reports.
"Autumn Cordellionè, also known as Jonathan C. Richardson, is currently serving out her sentence at the Branchville Correctional Facility, an Indiana Department of Correction state prison for men." https://t.co/fqtfhdJ6Lp
— NewsBusters (@newsbusters) February 20, 2024
According to Cordellionè, the chaplain cited his listed religious preference as “Wiccan” and argued that he practices multiple faiths, including Islam. Cordellionè contends that male Islamic practitioners are allowed to wear kufis throughout the facility, and he believes his equal protection rights were infringed upon. Furthermore, he alleges that the chaplain’s actions subjected him to harassment and ridicule from other Muslim prisoners. Despite attempts to reach the chaplain for comment, the Indiana Department of Corrections declined to provide a statement due to the pending litigation.
Represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Cordellionè is also involved in a separate lawsuit against the Indiana Department of Corrections regarding his request for sex reassignment surgery. Although Indiana law prohibits taxpayer-funded sex reassignment surgeries for inmates, the ACLU argues that denying Cordellionè’s request constitutes “cruel and unusual punishment” under the Eighth Amendment. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office opposes taxpayer funding for Cordellionè’s surgery, citing public sentiment for justice to be served.
Court records reveal Cordellionè’s troubling history, including his conviction for reckless homicide and a disturbing interaction with a correctional officer during his incarceration.
Despite the challenges he faces, Cordellionè continues to pursue legal action to uphold his rights as a supposed transgender Muslim inmate.
