Court Hears Appeal in Amish Vehicle Sign Case

A case involving religion and state law is now in the hands of a three judge panel of the Kentucky Court of Appeals. The court heard arguments in the case Thursday.A group of Amish men is appealing their convictions for failing to display a slow moving vehicle sign on the rear of their buggies. The sign is required for vehicles traveling slower than 25 miles per hour.The sign is bright red and the Swartzentruber Amish do not believe in extravagant displays of color. Instead, they use reflective tape and lanterns.Their attorney, the ACLU's Bill Sharp, says his clients’ religious freedom is protected under the state constitution."The government has not established that the slow moving vehicle emblem is more effective at improving roadway safety than the agreed alternative safety devices that my clients use on their buggies."Sharp says he expects the court to make a decision within the next few weeks.