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THE AMISH TRIANGLE AND THE ACLU

  • Nine Amish were sentenced to jail in Kentucky for breaking a state law that requires them to put orange signs on their horse-drawn buggies.

    The triangular signs are required as a safety warning to indiciate slow-moving vehicles. But the men refused to comply with the law because their religious beliefs forbid them from wearing bright colors, The Courier-Journal reported.

    The men, from a strict Amish sect called Old Order Swartzentruber, used reflective tape as a substitute, because the triangle is a symbol restricted for the Holy Trinity, CNN said

    Eight of the men began serving sentences in Mayfield ranging from three to 10 days after refusing on Monday to pay a fine for the misdemeanors. The ninth man's fine was paid by a self-described "concerned citizen" so the protesting Amish man could be with a sick child, TV station WPSD said.

    As a courtesy, they were provided with dark uniforms instead of the usual bright orange garb worn by inmates.

    The local chapter of the American Civil LIberties Union has taken up their cause by representing them since 2008, when they were first convicted, according to the station. They've appealed the conviction to the Kentucky Supreme Court, but the state's high court hasn't decided if it will hear the case, The Courier-Journal said.

5 comments
  • <i>Deleted Member</i>
    Deleted Member My Mom was raised Amish. I am going to PA Amish country this weekend to visit with the Freinschaft (extended family) of the Mennonite community in that area for my stepmom's 80th birthday. Rules change from one sect to another. There is a wide diversit...  more
    September 16, 2011 - delete - 1 likes this
  • Rev. Charles A.M. Childes, D.D.
    Rev. Charles A.M. Childes, D.D. I have friends in Paris and Clare, Michigan. Also in Berne, Indiana. Over the years I have spent many days with them in my travels. They are truly great friends to me.
    September 16, 2011
  • <i>Deleted Member</i>
    Deleted Member Charles: My Grandma Salome is from Berne. She was Eicher.
    September 16, 2011 - delete
  • Rev. Charles A.M. Childes, D.D.
    Rev. Charles A.M. Childes, D.D. My adopted Grandmother was Mattie Wickey. Sadly she just passed away this year. She was in her 90's. Her nephews Samuel and Peter Girod were my close friends and they lived in Bowling Green. They too have passed away.
    September 16, 2011