The right to hold and practise your religious or philosophical beliefs is protected by law in UK prisons. The Equality Act 2010 and Prison Service policy both require prisons to respect and facilitate the religious needs of prisoners. Understanding how this works in practice will help you maintain your faith during your sentence.
Your Legal Right to Religious Practice
Prison Rule 35 states that prisoners must be enabled to attend religious services and have access to a chaplain. More broadly, the Equality Act protects against discrimination on grounds of religion or belief, and the Human Rights Act protects your right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
This means you are entitled to:
The Prison Chaplaincy
Every prison has a chaplaincy team, usually led by a coordinating chaplain and supported by chaplains from various faiths. Chaplaincy is not limited to Christianity — prisons have chaplains or visitors representing Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and other faiths.
The chaplaincy team can:
Even if you have no religious faith, the chaplaincy can be a valuable source of emotional support.
Religious Dietary Requirements
Prison kitchens accommodate religious dietary requirements. If you need:
Tell the chaplaincy and the prison kitchen during your induction. You may need to complete a dietary request form. Requirements are normally honoured, though in smaller prisons the range of options may be limited.
Religious Items and Texts
You are entitled to possess religious texts, prayer mats, rosaries, and other basic religious items, subject to security limits. Items that could be used as weapons or conceal contraband may be restricted.
If an item you need is refused, ask the chaplaincy to intervene. They can often find a compromise.
Worship and Prayer Spaces
Most prisons have a multi-faith room or chapel where prisoners can pray, meditate, or attend services. These spaces are shared between faiths on a timetable basis.
If your faith requires daily prayer at specific times, speak to the chaplaincy about access to the prayer room. In some prisons, in-cell prayer is also possible.
Religious Festivals
Prisons make reasonable efforts to accommodate religious festivals:
Changing or Discovering Faith in Prison
Some prisoners find or return to faith during their sentence. This is common and respected. If you wish to explore a faith, speak to the chaplaincy team. They can put you in touch with visiting faith representatives, provide texts, and invite you to services.
Conversely, if you lose your faith or wish to stop practising, that is also your right. No prisoner can be forced to participate in religious activities.
The National Prisoner Database and Religion
Your declared religion is recorded on the prison database. This affects:
You can change your declared religion during your sentence by submitting a request to the chaplaincy.
Atheism, Humanism and Non-Religious Belief
Prisoners with no religious faith are equally protected. You cannot be required to attend religious services, and you are entitled to ethical and pastoral support that is not religious in nature. The Humanist Society can provide visitors and support for non-religious prisoners on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refuse to share a cell with someone of a different faith?
You can request a cellmate of the same faith, but it is not guaranteed. The prison will try to accommodate reasonable requests where space allows.
What if my religious needs are not being met?
Raise the issue with the chaplaincy first. If unresolved, you can submit a formal complaint and, ultimately, request judicial review if your rights are being systematically denied.
Can my family send me religious books?
Yes, subject to the usual security screening. Religious texts are generally permitted and may even be exempt from standard book limits in some prisons.
Is halal meat available in all prisons?
Most prisons provide halal options, but the range varies. If your prison does not reliably provide halal meals, speak to the chaplaincy and the food complaints system.
Can I be punished for practising my religion?
No. Disciplining a prisoner for practising their religion would be unlawful discrimination. If you believe this has happened, submit a complaint and consider legal action.
*Last updated: June 2026.*