Yes it can. They are designed to disable the ignition. I'd look into removing it w/out damaging anything else in the process. Yes, that can be a PITA.

Off Roader
98 Montero with the Winter Package
89 Montero minty clean and reserved for overlanding trips or Cars and Coffee events
96SR (3.15:1 xcase, 35's) gone to the rust gods
96SR Build Up Thread
Old web page
Old web page