Controversy Over Ohio’s Buggie Lighting Law
The Columbus Dispatch reports a significant legal challenge from the Amish community in Ohio concerning a recently enacted traffic regulation. This law mandates that animal-drawn buggies be equipped with yellow flashing lights, a requirement that the Swartzentruber Amish community believes infringes upon their First Amendment rights to religious expression.
The Swartzentruber Amish, who sought legal counsel through Harvard University Law School’s Religious Freedom Clinic, have initiated a lawsuit aiming to prevent the enforcement of this law. Since the regulation’s adoption in June 2022, over 200 tickets have been issued to Amish buggy drivers across Ohio. The law was introduced following a comprehensive statewide study that documented 723 buggy-related crashes over a decade, including 15 fatalities.
In-depth coverage from 2022 and 2023 highlighted the complexities surrounding this legislation. Critics argued that the law failed to consider the religious objections of Amish groups like the Swartzentruber, who might be persuaded to adopt alternative safety measures compatible with their beliefs. Notably, some Amish communities have already implemented reflective tape and other safety features without contravening their religious principles.
Amish faced legal repercussions such as court appearances, fines, liens, and even threats of incarceration for non-compliance. The case has attracted the attention of sociologists and legal experts, such as Cory Anderson, who explained that while the Amish traditionally avoid legal battles, they sometimes resort to legal representation in extraordinary circumstances, often facilitated by outside advocates. This phenomenon is exemplified by historical cases like Wisconsin v. Yoder, where outside legal support was crucial in securing religious exemptions for Amish children.
The Role of External Legal Support and Community Dynamics
In this instance, Anderson’s efforts helped connect the Amish with legal teams from Harvard’s Religious Freedom Clinic, illustrating that external entities often play a pivotal role in defending Amish religious rights. The community generally prefers to avoid litigation, but when religious freedoms are at stake, they may seek legal help, especially when prompted or supported by outsiders.
Beyond the Swartzentruber Amish
This lawsuit was filed in Hardin County, Ohio, an area home to Amish communities that are not part of the Swartzentruber sect. For example, the Amish in Kenton, Ohio, do not use traditional SMV triangles or flashing lights, opting instead for distinctive reflective tape patterns on their buggies. As noted by Anderson, several Amish subgroups, including Swartzentruber and Kenton factions, are challenging the new Ohio law requiring yellow flashing lights.
Historically, Swartzentruber community leaders established a committee in the early 1960s to manage church and state issues discreetly, aiming to shield their religious practices from external influence. Today, multiple committees represent various Swartzentruber factions, with plaintiffs hailing from different regions such as Medina, Wayne, and Ashland counties, where most citations have been issued. The case thus involves representatives from multiple Amish groups most affected by this regulation.
Legal Developments and Future Prospects
Recently, the Hardin County Common Pleas Court granted a temporary restraining order, signaling an ongoing legal contest. The community is expected to continue resisting the law’s enforcement, and it remains uncertain whether the affected Amish groups will ultimately adopt the mandated lighting in the future.
Note: While the current stance suggests that Swartzentruber Amish are unlikely to voluntarily adopt the required lighting, this does not preclude possible changes over time. Some younger members might be more receptive to safety innovations, and individual churches could decide to implement lighting independently, potentially leading to internal divisions or schisms. Historically, Amish communities have shown adaptability, and over generations, some may find acceptable compromises or alternative solutions that align with their faith.