MORENCI, Mich. (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union is defending 14 Amish families in southern Michigan in a dispute with a county health department over outhouses and plumbing.
The Lenawee County Health Department has filed lawsuits, asking a judge to order property owners to comply with county waste disposal rules or face demolition.
In response Wednesday, lawyers for the families said their way of living is not a threat, and they accused the county of violating religious freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
“The county is persecuting this Amish community because of their deeply held religious beliefs that have safely guided their way of life for generations,” said Phil Mayor, an ACLU attorney. “Lenawee County residents should be outraged” by the actions of local officials.
A message seeking comment was left with the health department.
In counterclaims against the county, lawyers for the families said they adhere to “simple living” and avoid modern technology.
“This community’s commitment to live according to their religion harms no one,” said attorney Richard Schulte, who is part of the legal team.
WLEN News received this fax from the Lenawee County Health Department Thursday morning:
“The Lenawee County Health Department is seeking injunctive relief to require several property owners in Medina and Hudson Townships to comply with the water supply and sewage disposal requirements of the Lenawee County Environmental Health Code. This action comes after a lengthy period of non-compliance on the part of the property owners. The requirements for theses property owners are the same requirements that apply to all other residents of Lenawee County. The requirements of the Lenawee County Environmental Health Code, to supply clean water and properly dispose of sewage, are in place to protect the public health of all citizens of Lenawee County.”
Tune into our local and state newscasts, anytime day or night, for this story and more.
Follow WLEN-FM: 
#wlenradio #wlennews #lenaweenews