Post by AP on Nov 5, 2010 17:58:58 GMT -5
Indiana prisons lose federal suit over kosher meals
Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS – A federal judge has ruled the Indiana Department of Correction is violating the law by not offering kosher meals to prison inmates whose religious beliefs require it.
An Orthodox Jew inmate at Miami Correctional Facility filed a class action suit last year after the agency began substituting vegan meals for kosher meals it formerly served, citing higher costs. American Civil Liberties Union attorney Ken Falk said the change affected about 90 to 120 inmates.
Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson this week ruled in favor of inmate Matson Willis, finding that the department’s handling of the issue had violated his religious rights.
The judge set a hearing for Nov. 30 on the scope of a possible injunction.
Department spokesman Doug Garrison said officials are reviewing the ruling.
Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS – A federal judge has ruled the Indiana Department of Correction is violating the law by not offering kosher meals to prison inmates whose religious beliefs require it.
An Orthodox Jew inmate at Miami Correctional Facility filed a class action suit last year after the agency began substituting vegan meals for kosher meals it formerly served, citing higher costs. American Civil Liberties Union attorney Ken Falk said the change affected about 90 to 120 inmates.
Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson this week ruled in favor of inmate Matson Willis, finding that the department’s handling of the issue had violated his religious rights.
The judge set a hearing for Nov. 30 on the scope of a possible injunction.
Department spokesman Doug Garrison said officials are reviewing the ruling.