In a unanimous vote, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down an Arkansas prison ban on inmates having beards, calling it a violation of religious rights. The ban on inmate beards was put in place to prevent inmates from concealing contraband.

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The High Court's 9-0 decision ruled in favor of prisoner Gregory Holt, who insisted on growing a half-inch beard as part of his religious obligations.  The justices rejected the prison's reasoning, saying the government must not use security reasons to curtail rights.  

Justice Samuel Alito wrote, "We do not question the importance of the Department's interests in stopping the flow of contraband and facilitating prisoner identification."  He added that "the Department has failed to show that its policy is the least restrictive means of furthering its compelling interests."

Alito also pointed out, most states and the federal government allow inmates to grow half-inch beards -- either for any reason.

Holt, a Caucasian, used the name Maalik Muhammad, following his conversion to Islam. He is serving a life sentence at the Varner Supermax Prison, after being convicted of slitting his girlfriend's throat and stabbing her in the chest. Holt also pleaded guilty to threatening former President George W. Bush's daughters.

Holt, without any legal representation, asked the Supreme Court to hear his case through a petition he himself had handwritten.  He cited the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, which prohibits the government from imposing a "substantial burden on the religious exercise" of an inmate. 

The court's ruling was welcomed by various religious groups. 

Meanwhile, 18 U.S. states expressed support for Arkansas, saying the court should respect prison officials' judgment on maintaining safety.

TagsU.S. Supreme Court, Beard ban, Arkansas prison, Gregory Holt