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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2002

Three Native American Church groups have asked a federal judge for permission to intervene in a religious freedom case occurring in New Mexico.

The Native American Church of North America, the Native American Church of Oklahoma and the Native American Church of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma say a group which originated in Brazil has been unfairly comparing itself to their religion. The group, O Centro Espirita Beneficente Uniao do Vegetl (UDV), has legal protections in Brazil to use a hallucinogenic tea plant.

The group therefore says it should be allowed to use it since the NAC can. A federal judge is considering the issue, which surfaced when federal agents raided the home of a man and seized his tea and other items.

Get the Story:
Critics Want Say in Tea Lawsuit (The Albuquerque Journal 1/24)

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