Kentucky Tries to Find Amish Buggies Compromise

A western Kentucky lawmaker is trying to find a compromise in the debate over a law that requires slow-moving vehicles to display a reflective triangle, a requirement that Amish men say infringes on their religious beliefs.

Republican Sen. Ken Winters of Murray told The Paducah Sun that he has asked legislative staff to look at laws in other states in an effort to find some common ground.

The debate stems from a state law that requires slow-moving vehicles to display an emblem of a fluorescent yellow-orange triangle with a reflective border that is dark red. It affects Amish communities all over the state that use horses and buggies for travel instead of motorized vehicles.

The color is a violation of the religious beliefs of some Amish sects and several Amish men in western Kentucky have been ordered to jail for refusing to obey the law.

Winters — whose district encompasses Graves, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Hickman, Lyon and Trigg counties — said he hopes lawmakers can come up with an alternative that will satisfy the Amish community and also keep travelers safe.

“We had to worry about public safety, that’s what the issue is here,” he said. “But is there an appropriate way — and 138 (lawmakers) will make the decision — is there an appropriate way to allow alternative markings to substitute for the red triangle?”

Winters said he expects the issue to be discussed during the next legislative session, which begins meeting in January.

“We’ll see if we have enough sentiment to get something out of both chambers,” he said.

It won’t be easy, as opinions are divided on the issue.

Rep. Fred Nesler, D-Mayfield, who sponsored the legislation, said he stands by it.

“It’s all about safety and trying to save the lives of individuals driving the buggies but also the people driving on the roads that are going to be behind the buggy in rain or dark or whatever time of day. I personally think the legislation we have is fair.”

Nesler said he proposed the law after getting complaints that drivers couldn’t see the buggies well, especially at night. Nesler said he sees no reason to change the law.

“We have to be careful about passing a piece of legislation just trying to please a few people in whatever reason they want to give about it,” he said. “What laws we have I think that they’re there to fit everybody.”

Another western Kentucky lawmaker, Rep. Mike Cherry, D-Princeton, said changes to accommodate the Amish might get his support.

“I think there may be some room to allow some latitude to the Amish and their traditional religious beliefs and customs,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to sacrifice the safety of all, but I think there’s some room in there to come up with a solution short of incarcerating these people.’

Topics Legislation Kentucky