Washington — The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a former Louisiana inmate's effort to sue state prison officials after they shaved his dreadlocks in violation of his religious beliefs.

The high court divided 6 to 3 along ideological lines in ruling against Damon Landor, with the three liberal justices in dissent.

Landor, who is a devout Rastafarian, sought to sue state and prison officials for violations of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, or RLUIPA, after prison guards shaved his head. While lower courts condemned Landor's treatment, judges on two different courts dismissed his claims. The Supreme Court's decision upholds the decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit.

The ruling is a rare loss for a plaintiff arguing violations of his religious rights. In recent years, the high court has repeatedly sided with religious parties, including in a 2022 decision in favor of a Texas inmate who requested his pastor lay hands on him and audibly pray during his execution.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.