PETITION IN SUPPORT OF RESTORING RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION FOR THE PEOPLE OF NEW YORK STATE

To:
Governor Kathy Hochul
New York State Legislature
Office of the Attorney General

Subject: Support for Religious Exemption for the People of New York State

We, the undersigned, citizens of New York State and supporters of religious freedom, respectfully submit this petition to urge the restoration of religious exemptions in the State of New York.

We recognize the deep importance of religious freedom to the Amish, a group that has long contributed to the rich cultural and spiritual fabric of our state. The Amish people, in their adherence to their faith, have consistently sought to live in a manner that respects their religious beliefs, which include living without modern technological influences, avoiding participation in certain state mandates, and maintaining a simple, humble way of life.

Unfortunately, recent changes in state laws and regulations have placed undue burdens on the people of New York State by denying them religious exemptions that have historically allowed them to live in accordance with their religious principles. We believe that the denial of these exemptions not only infringes upon their right to freely practice their religion but also threatens the preservation of their cultural identity.

Therefore, we respectfully call on the New York State government to:

Reinstate religious exemptions for the Amish community, and all religious communities, regarding issues such as mandatory vaccinations, schooling regulations, and other state requirements that conflict with their deeply held beliefs.
Ensure that religious freedom is protected for all citizens, particularly minority religious communities, in accordance with the U.S. Constitution and New York State's commitment to religious liberty.
Provide a clear legal framework that recognizes the religious communities way of life and religious practices as protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, allowing the community to live in a manner consistent with their faith without fear of discrimination or undue government interference.
We believe that restoring these exemptions is not only a matter of religious freedom but a matter of fairness, justice, and the protection of New York’s diversity. We urge the State to act swiftly in order to preserve the rights of the Amish and religious community and to safeguard religious freedom for all.

I am personally and passionately involved in a struggle to regain our rights to religious freedom which we believe have been trampled. I fear we have suffered discrimination based on our religious beliefs and feel that our freedom of expression, protected by the First Amendment, is being compromised.

Please, sign this petition to support the Amish community, all guardians, mothers, fathers, and children, in our fight to regain our religious freedoms in New York State.