Amish Will Comply Under Protest With Court's Order, But Will Not Take Next Steps

The Eau Claire Leader-Telegram reported Monday that a Wisconsin trial court judge ordered three Amish defendants to sign applications for building and sanitary permits and pay the required fees, or otherwise to be evicted from their homes.  Defendants' lawyer says that they will sign "under protest" in order to stay in their homes, but that they have no intention of installing the required smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  He says that the signing is an affirmation that the laws exist, not an agreement to comply with them. Electric or battry operated detectors violate Old Order Amish religious beliefs. Defendants are considering whether to appeal the court's ruling.