INMATE LOSES SUIT TO SKIP REHAB

MADISON, WISCONSIN -- An inmate at Kettle Moraine State Prison must
complete a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program before he could be
paroled, despite the man's objections because of religious beliefs, an
appeals court ruled Thursday.

Frederick Spence was sentenced to life in prison in
1982.

Thirteen years later, prison officials decided Spence should
participate in a drug and alcohol treatment program before he could
move to a minimum-security level or be paroled.

When Spence appeared before the parole board in 1996, board members
declined to parole him, saying he had not yet served enough time in
prison and had to complete the drug treatment program.

Spence sued the chairman of the Wisconsin Parole Commission and other
prison officials because he said the program would interfere with his
Native American pipe ceremonies on Thursday afternoons, according to
the decision.

Spence also said his religious beliefs called on him to deny treatment
and rely on prayer for rehabilitation.

The 4th District Court of Appeals Thursday upheld the decision of the
Dane County Circuit Court, which ruled that the government has a
reasonable interest in expecting Spence to attend the program before
he is paroled.