Mansfield Times

More Amish Appear in Court (Part 1 of 2)
On Friday, October, 28, the second round of Amish cited with Ohio’s new Law appeared in Ashland Municipal Court, 1209 E Main St before Magistrate, Fred M. Oxley after being cited for not having the yellow flashing lighting their buggy’s.

As in the first round a letter was submitted to the Magistrate, Fred M. Oxley who read it to the court.

I confess that we must show all proper respect to the government and must honor it accordingly to the teaching of Paul Romans 13 and pay tax, ties, tribute, and show every kind of obedience as long as they don’t require anything against the conscience.

When however they command something contrary to conscience or not according to the teachings of Jesus. The reason for me, not having a battery operated light on my buggy like I know is required by the government of Ohio is.

#1 it was forbidden from our forefathers and if we read the 10 Commandments verse five it says we must honor thy father and thy mother that the days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God give it thee.

I feel we are not honoring this if we put a battery operated light on our buggies.

#2 my conscience, would not allow me to

#3 my faith, we should have faith in God and trust that he protects us if it is his will. I am afraid if I start using the flashing light on my buggy it would do me harm spiritually, as I could end up having more trust in the flashing light to protect me then God.

#4 my religion wow some people may think it is only a tradition that we don’t use battery operated lights on our buggy. This may well be the case with some groups, but as for me, my religion doesn’t allow me any battery operated lights on my buggy. Even though we use selective battery flashlights, we have never used any battery operated lights mounted on our buggies and would prefer to keep it like this if possible

we do have 72” diamond reflective tape on the back of our buggy and two lanterns as needed in the dark, which was approved April 1, 1966 by warren C Nelson Director of Highway safety states of Ohio.

We also added a 10 x 12 white read tangle with reflective tape to take the place of the slow moving vehicle sign, and two white pipes on the left rear wheel with reflective tape which has a movement when driving on the road and is easily seen, instead of the flashing light which we had a Church council not to have.

very respectfully yours, Harvey J Hostetler

Magistrate, Fred M. Oxley ordered a $50.00 Fine plus court cost.

Note: As in all cases to date, none of the Amish have paid the fines or court cost.

Original source found here.