Amish teens charged with hate crimes in Maryland

A group of Amish teens from Pennsylvania caused a stir in Chestertown, Maryland, during their Rumspringa, a time when young Amish explore the outside world. They were recently charged with multiple hate crimes after stealing pride flags and vandalizing property in the town. The trouble began when residents noticed their pride flags were missing. Ben Gerrard checked his doorbell camera and saw two young men stealing the flag. They were seen joyfully running away with it, along with other similar crimes reported in the community. In total, nine homes and a church were affected. Local police quickly identified the seven offenders, who ranged in age from 18 to 20. The teens reportedly disrupted the town while intoxicated, an unusual occurrence in quiet Chestertown, known for its conservative values yet notable for its visible LGBTQ support. The Amish youth were charged with theft, vandalism, and hate crimes. Initially, the community discussed how to address the incident. Some wanted harsh penalties, while others sought a more educational approach, hoping to teach the teens a lesson without ruining their lives. After deliberation, a decision was made to require the offenders to do community service with an LGBTQ organization near their homes. This way, they could learn from their actions while avoiding a criminal record. In court, each group met to express remorse, and the Amish fathers apologized for their sons’ behavior. The lawyer representing the teens praised the outcome, noting that it offered a chance for the boys to grow from the experience. The community, deeply affected by the incident, aims to move forward and continue fostering inclusivity.