Kentucky Legislature Approves Buggy Compromise

The Kentucky legislature has approved a bill that would allow Amish buggy drivers who oppose displaying bright orange safety triangles on their vehicles to use an alternative.

SB 75 seeks to account for concerns among some Amish that the triangles infringe on their religious freedom and call unwanted attention to their vehicles, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal.

The legislation is a reaction to a court case in which more than a dozen Amish men were jailed for refusing to use the orange triangles or pay fines for not using them. The men went to jail rather than use the symbols, which they have said are “gaudy,” and because they depend on God only for their safety.

According to the Associated Press, the Amish men, who are part of a conservative group known as Swartzentruber, have asked the Kentucky Supreme Court to grant them an exemption on religious freedom grounds. The court is currently considering arguments in the case.

On April 11, Gov. Steve Beshear signed SB 75 into law.