A judge’s decision is expected Wednesday, on whether or not a Wisconsin law requiring livestock owners to register their properties is Constitutional.
Clark County Circuit Court Judge Jon Counsell will hear testimony in Wisconsin vs. Emanuel Miller Jr.
Miller, from the Loyal area, is one of dozens of Old Order Amish farmers around the state that refuse to comply with Premise I.D., saying it is the first step toward the eventual tagging of all animals, or the Mark of the Beast.
In July, Counsell explained he first wants the state to establish the facts of the matter, which don’t appear to be in dispute.
Then, he’ll hear arguments on a motion to dismiss the charges. District Attorney Darwin Zwieg, on behalf of the State of Wisconsin, and Attorney Bonnie Wacsmuth, appointed as a “Friend of the Court” in the matter, will address the constitutional questions regarding religious freedom.
This is believed to be the first “test case” on mandatory premise ID in the state, if not the country.
Clark County has dozens of farms that are reportedly not in compliance with the rule, which states: anyone who keeps, houses, or co-mingles livestock must register their premises with the state of Wisconsin.
The penalties include a denial of state licensing. Wednesday’s hearing will begin at 8:30 a.m.
WCCN’s Paul Knoff contributed this report
