HASTINGS, Pa. — Two Amish farmers who said their religious convictions prevent them from operating outhouses in compliance with state sewage laws were sentenced Thursday to 90 days in jail after turning down an offer to do community service.

County sewage officials said Andy Swartzentruber and Sam Yoder do not have permits for outhouses at a school and have been disposing of waste improperly. Both men, who belong to one of the Christian sect's more conservative groups, said the permits would violate their religious beliefs.

A district judge on Thursday offered the men, who represented themselves in court, a chance to pay a fine or perform community service to avoid jail time.

But Swartzentruber, who owns the property the school is on, and Yoder, a school elder, declined both options. Performing community service also would go against their religion, they said.

"I guess I have to keep with my religion," Swartzentruber said, leaning over at times during the hearing and rubbing his forehead.

Swartzentruber, 52, and Yoder, 53, have until July 21 to appeal the sentence or report to jail. The men said after the hearing that while it is against their beliefs to hire their own attorney, they may accept volunteer help or allow someone else to pay for a lawyer.

Judge Michael Zungali said he did not see how community service could be against the men's religion, suggesting they could do service at a community park near their home, for instance. He said he had been left with no choice but to send them to jail.