The U.S. Supreme Court sided with an Amish community in Minnesota when it ruled July 2 that a county mandate requiring septic systems to treat wastewater violated the group’s religious beliefs.
Fillmore County began requiring Swartzentruber Amish in 2013 to install septic systems to treat wastewater from laundry, bathing and cooking. Swartzentruber Amish, who are among the most conservative Amish groups, wanted to use the “gray water” for irrigation using less technology. Although 20 other states allow such practices, local officials argued septic systems are necessary because gray water may contain pathogens, bacteria and other harmful components.
USA Today reported the Supreme Court overturned a state court ruling that sided with the county, continuing a trend of siding with claims of religious freedom.
“County officials have subjected the Amish to threats of reprisals and inspections of their homes and farms. They have attacked the sincerity of the Amish’s faith,” wrote Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch. “In this country, neither the Amish nor anyone else should have to choose between their farms and their faith.”
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