A federal judge wrapped up a trial into the religious rights of Indian inmates in Alabama.

Alabama is one of 12 mostly southern states that require inmates to keep their hair short. Indian inmates say the policy infringes on their ability to practice their religions. Every other state allows Indian inmates to keep their hair long or lacks a policy on the issue.

The case began 15 years ago but has not been resolved. Of the 25,303 inmates in Alabama state prisons, 195 are Native American, The Montgomery Advertiser reported.

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American Indian inmates fight state prisons' hair-length policy (The Montgomery Advertiser 1/28)