AMISH FIGHTING BLAZE ORANGE RULE
Thursday, March 13th, 2008 -- 1:56 PM
There could be yet another constitutional showdown brewing involving Clark County's Old Order Amish community.The Clark County District Attorney's office has charged three Amish men for not wearing "blaze orange" while hunting. One was also charged for transporting a firearm in a buggy.
The case stems from a DNR warden's report filed back in November.
While the suspects apparently don't deny hunting without blaze orange, a letter issued by their father, Jacob Gingerich of Loyal, seems to indicate they may fight the civil forfeitures on 1st Amendment grounds.
In the letter, Jacob says his "number one complaint" with the charges is his sons were hunting on the family's land. He says the Old Order Amish sect "can't wear bright colors" and further notes the rule is meant to keep hunters safe, but the family doesn't allow other hunters on their land, so there should be no concern.
The cases are set to go to trial on April 23.
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