Detroit federal judge to decide on halal meals

DETROIT (AP) — Some Michigan prison inmates are objecting to a settlement in a lawsuit over meals and religious customs.

The Michigan Corrections Department says it's committed to serving halal meals to inmates who want them. But some inmates are objecting because the meals might lack meat or may be too heavy on soy-based products.

A Detroit federal judge is holding a hearing Monday to decide whether to approve the settlement. A halal meal is prepared under strict Islamic rules.

Lawyers for prisoners who filed the lawsuit in 2006 say the case is about providing halal meals, not what's in the meals. If inmates have a gripe about a lack of meat, they may have to take it up with the warden.