Pastor Isn’t Safety Risk, Ex-Corrections Officials Tell Justices

Barring spiritual advisors from praying aloud or laying hands on prisoners during executions isn’t necessary for security, a group of advisors and ex-prison officials told the Supreme Court ahead of oral argument.

That means Texas’ attempt to ban those religious activities isn’t the least restrictive way to achieve the state’s security interest as required by federal law, the group said in an amicus brief, filed Monday by veteran high court lawyer Lisa Blatt of Williams & Connolly.

The advisors and ex-officials lodged the brief in support of John Ramirez, who received an execution stay from the justices earlier this ...