The Maine House has given initial approval to legislation to allow hunters to wear red if their religion prohibits them from wearing orange while hunting.
The legislation was introduced at the request of the Amish community in Aroostook County because wearing bright colors, like the blaze orange required while hunting in Maine, goes against their religious beliefs.
“They are asking for a simple favor. They would like to hunt in Maine, but they don’t want to wear orange. They haven’t asked for much else, can we at least give them that?” says Republican Rep. Lance Harvell of Farmington, who supported the bill.
The House supported the bill 120-27. Opponents argued that red is not as visible at a distance as bright orange.
“Since this law has gone into place, that hunters must wear bright orange, fatalities from hunting accidents have dropped precipitously,” says Democratic Rep. Mick Devin of Newcastle.
The measure faces further votes.
