Pork removed from Ohio prison meals after Muslim inmates' lawsuit

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio is removing pork from its menus in all state prisons in response to a lawsuit brought by Muslim inmates challenging the prisons' meal policy.

Corrections department spokesman Carlo LoParo said Monday the move was a way to accommodate religious preferences without jeopardizing prison security.

He told The Associated Press the agency began the phase-out last month after shipments stopped to the prisons' warehouse.

The Ohio Justice and Policy Center is suing on behalf of two Muslim inmates who want meals prepared according to Islamic law, similar to kosher meals prepared for Jewish prisoners.

Executive director David Singleton says the announcement does not affect the lawsuit since inmates are seeking meals prepared under specific religious rules.