The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a stay of execution for death row inmate Patrick Murphy. Not because he is an innocent man, but because Murphy believes it’s his First Amendment right to have a Buddhist priest preside over his impending execution — and the court agrees.

The emergency ruling came just in time: Murphy’s execution was scheduled for Nov. 13. The state of Texas has refused Murphy’s request for a Buddhist spiritual adviser, citing their new policy that restricts all spiritual aides from all faiths from entering the death chamber to accompany an inmate (they are only allowed in the viewing room).