A New Jersey inmate will now be allowed to preach during worship services in the New Jersey State Prison.

In 2007, convicted murderer Howard Thompson, who is also an ordained Pentecostal minister, was ordered to stop preaching by prison officials.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit saying Thompson's religions rights were violated.

"The right to practice one's faith, or no faith at all, is fundamental and applies inside and outside the prison gates," Daniel Mach, director of litigation for the ACLU's religion program, said. "No officials should be in the business of restricting religious exercise."

Thompson may now preach his sermons under the supervision of a chaplain.