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Alabama: Pastor can hold inmate’s hand during execution

FILE - This undated photo provided by the Alabama Department of Corrections shows Willie B. Smith III. Alabama will allow Smith’s pastor to hold his hand during an execution scheduled for next month. In a court document, lawyers described the new procedure that will be used next month. Willie B. Smith is scheduled to be executed Oct. 21, 2021. (Alabama Department of Corrections via AP)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama will allow an inmate’s pastor to hold his hand during an execution scheduled for next month.

In a court document, lawyers described the new procedure that will be used next month.

Willie B. Smith is scheduled to be executed Oct. 21.

Alabama officials in February called off Smith’s execution after the U.S. Supreme Court maintained an injunction saying he could not be executed without his pastor present in the chamber.  

A Texas death row inmate won a reprieve Wednesday after claiming the state was violating his religious freedom by not letting his pastor lay hands on him.