Amish Families Face Eviction From New York Over Vaccine Mandates
An attorney argues that the state's elimination of religious vaccine exemptions is forcing the Amish community to choose between their faith and remaining in New York.
New York's decision to remove religious exemptions for school vaccine mandates is pushing Amish families toward leaving the state, according to Hiram Sasser, an attorney with the First Liberty Institute. The legal group is urging the Supreme Court to intervene in the ongoing dispute, citing the potential for "crushing fines" that threaten the Amish community's ability to remain in New York.
For over two centuries, New York had allowed religious exemptions for schoolchildren, a practice that protected the Amish communities living within the state. However, this exemption was repealed in 2019, imposing vaccination requirements on Amish families and their private schools. The Second Circuit upheld the law in June, prompting the Amish to seek a Supreme Court review.
"For decades, New York had a religious exemption for their vaccine mandate that they had on the books, and it protected the Amish who've been there for over 200 years," Sasser told Fox News Digital. "New York is putting them to a religious test that we should never put the Amish to."
Sasser described the Amish schools as similar to the "Little House on the Prairie" style, where children learn in a manner that reflects a traditional way of life. He stated that New York's enforcement of the mandate on these communities, who generally do not participate in such mandates, is an imposition.
"They want to be really good citizens, they want to do their part for the state of New York, for America," Sasser said. "They want to live quiet, humble lives, be good neighbors, but New York is putting them to a religious test that we should never put the Amish to." The legal battle is framed by First Liberty as a matter that could determine whether the Amish can continue to practice their faith and maintain their traditional lifestyle in New York.
The New York Department of Health issued a statement asserting that the state's responsibility is to protect public health and enforce laws equitably. "The Department continues to provide community outreach and education on the safety of immunizations. New York’s school immunization requirements are based in science and protect the health and well-being of all New Yorkers," the statement read.
First Liberty is awaiting a response from the opposing side and a subsequent decision from the Supreme Court. The outcome could have significant implications for religious freedom and minority communities within the state.