ReutersSeptember 15, 2011
Eight members of a traditional Amish sect were behind bars on Tuesday
after refusing to pay fines for failure to display orange-red safety
triangles on their horse-drawn buggies. The eight were
being held in the Graves County Jail, serving sentences ranging between
three and 10 days for failing to pay the fines on religious grounds. Graves
District Judge Deborah Hawkins ordered the men jailed Monday in
Mayfield, about 200 miles from Louisville in western Kentucky. The
defendants contend that paying the fines would amount to complying with a
law that violates their religious restrictions against wearing or
displaying bright colors or relying upon man-made symbols for their
safety. Graves County Jailer Randy Haley said Tuesday that
the men brought Bibles with them when they reported to jail late Monday
night and were given dark-colored jumpsuits and sandals to wear instead
of the standard orange coveralls. All were placed together in a large
holding cell, Haley said. The Kentucky Court of Appeals
denied an appeal of the men's misdemeanor convictions in June. The case
has been appealed to the state Supreme Court, which has not ruled on
whether it will hear the case. (more)
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