Published: May 11, 2009 11:49 am      

NEW – Amish families out in latest outhouse disputes

EBENSBURG — Two Amish families are out of their western Pennsylvania homes after a judge found them in contempt of court for failing to abide by municipal building and sewage regulations.

Cambria County Sheriff Bob Kolar says deputies Monday morning were padlocking the homes of John and Susan Miller, and Joely and Mary Swartzentruber.

County sewage officials say the families have cited religious beliefs in failing to install permitted sewage systems. The defendants are members of a conservative Amish sect known for their severe restrictions on technology.

A county judge on Friday ordered the families out after they did not comply with a court order to follow municipal regulations.

Kolar says the families have left the homes without incident.