THE Utah State Court of Appeals has dismissed Robert Paul Rice's claims that
the Utah State Prison is violating his right to practise his religion by
failing to provide him with a "vampire" diet.
The court also showed no sympathy for Rice's complaint that he wasn't allowed a
conjugal visit when a "vampress" is available so he can partake
"in the vampiric sacrament (drinking blood)".
In his appeal, Rice claimed when he was brought to the prison in June 2000 he noted in his information sheet that he was "a Druid" and that "the order of the Druids that I follow is the order of the Vampire".
When he later became a member of Wicca, his "vampiric dietary needs" changed, he said.
Prison spokesman Jack Ford said Rice's records showed he was a Catholic.
Rice, sentenced to one to 15 years for felony weapons possession, theft and burglary, said he could drink milk and eat fruit, grains and vegetables. But he won't eat meat.
"We aren't customising the meals to what each inmate wants. We do have alternatives," Ford said.
As for the kiss of the "vampress", forget it.
"Without any question we do not have conjugal visits in Utah," Ford said.