I can't tell from the article to which you link exactly what is involved. Do the building codes require electricity to be supplied in all residences? I could see that requirement running afoul of Amish ordung against electricity. On the other hand, I don't see the problem for the Amish with smoke detectors. They could have battery powered ones, although maybe the building codes require the detectors to be hard wired. Contrary to the article, I doubt very much the ordnung covers safe construction. I don't think much of the Becket Fund's "selective enforcement" argument, but there may be a First Amendment argument if they're trying to make the Amish use electricity in their homes. Interesting article. (By the way, you're right; spring can't get here quickly enough.)
I was born and raised in the Old Order Amish community in Lancaster County,PA. I joined the church and married an Amish woman with whom I have three children. In my early thirties I left the church and several years later ended my marriage with my wife, who remained a member of the Amish community. I have since re-married and am the proud grandfather of two little girls.
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I can't tell from the article to which you link exactly what is involved. Do the building codes require electricity to be supplied in all residences? I could see that requirement running afoul of Amish ordung against electricity. On the other hand, I don't see the problem for the Amish with smoke detectors. They could have battery powered ones, although maybe the building codes require the detectors to be hard wired. Contrary to the article, I doubt very much the ordnung covers safe construction. I don't think much of the Becket Fund's "selective enforcement" argument, but there may be a First Amendment argument if they're trying to make the Amish use electricity in their homes. Interesting article. (By the way, you're right; spring can't get here quickly enough.)
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