Ohio’s response to Muslim lawsuit over prison meal preparation riles state pork industry

[rug]

By Associated Press, Published: October 5

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A decision by Ohio officials to remove all pork products from prison menus in response to a lawsuit by Muslim inmates is not sitting well with the state’s pork producers and processors.

Both promise action of their own, including a possible counter lawsuit, to address what they consider an unfair and illogical decision.

“We really think it’s not in the best interest, frankly, of the whole prison system,” said Dick Isler, executive director of the Ohio Pork Producers Council. “It seems like we’re letting a small group make the rules when it really isn’t in the best interest of the rest of prisoners.”

Pork is inexpensive and nutritious and compares well to other lean meats, he said.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/ohio-pork-producers-processors-angry-over-state-decision-removing-pork-form-prison-menus/2011/10/05/gIQAlLoTNL_story.html

The prison missed the point. Instead of preparing food according to Halal, which was the prisoners' request, the prison simply eliminatred pork.