These are a few examples of the kinds of persecution to which we are subjected as Witches.
If you or a Witch you know has recently experienced harassment, vandalism, violation of rights, etc. because of our beliefs or practices, please tell us about it. We will protect your confidentiality unless you specify that your name be used.
Discrimination
against Wiccan Businesses
Date: Wed, Jul 1, 1998 2:12 PM EDT
From: Ravnfyr
Subj: Fwd: Athame in car...HELP
To: Oldenwilde
Merry Meet, Diuvei, Passion, and Fladais --
Attached is a letter from a close friend of our Coven - not a member, but a frequent ally. HIs case could end up affecting the legal rights of all of us. What might happen to YOU if you were traveling to a ritual and were stopped by police? The police are claiming that he is dangerous because he is a "satanist" according to them (he was wearing his pentacle openly). Let me put it this way -- if the Superior Court here in Ct rules against this young man, that will set what is known in the legal fields as a "precedent" -- in other words, that ruling can be used as a legal tool by the religious right to stamp out pagan religions, because our tools and rituals have been ruled "dangerous" in the Superior Court of another state. This ruling can be used in all 50 states and all territories and federal possessions, including military bases. You can see how far-ranging the effects might be.
We would appreciate any help you can give. Prayers, rituals of support, and such are welcome, as is more mundane assistance. Alert your legal and press contacts. We need to reach pagan groups of all types, since this will affect more than just wiccan practicioners. Letters, emails, and contacts should be sent to Elestaria@aol.com or Ravnfyr@aol.com. Thank you for your anticipated assisstance.
Blessings to you and yours.
Raven, HPs
Coven of the Four Winds
Norwich, Ct
Forwarded Message:
Date: Tue, Jun 23, 1998 10:34 PM EDT
From: Elestaria
Subj: Athame in car...HELP
yep, one of them.
I just got booked and released for 2 counts (athame and bolline...or
so I say) of possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle
One is an ornate kindjall, the tip is a bit sharp, but the
blade is not.
The other is an old rusty butcher's knife, but somewhat sharp.
Some of you are receiving this because as friends My july 13 trial date may affect my relations with you (especially if I get a few months in the pen)
The rest of you are receiving this because I think you can help provide legal aid and/or support.
I was driving FROM home TO the house of another witch (to help her get rid of some nasties, so we can say it was to a ritual) when I was pulled over for "unsafe passing" and "tailgating" I geve the police oriface my liscence and was reaching into the glove box for registration and insurance when his head poked in, and saw the kindjall on my right, by the door in the seat-well it should NOT have been visible unless he DID poke his head in (point) he opened the door and put it on the roof, and asked me to get out. I was cuffed, and my car searched, the rusted butcher knife was found. They began to make references to my being a "warlock" due to the pentagram necklace I had on, and the cape and staff in my car, as well as the sun-god mask. They finished the search and I was driven to the station. On the way, the oriface DID make reference saying "did you get the devil to do that" I belive it was at a light changing. (point) Another charge was added when I shifted the cuffs in front of me rather than behind me (interference with an officer)(could be pled down to?) during the booking I DID inform the officer that I was a WITCH not a warlock, and they seemed to NOT understand. the old "are you a good witch or a bad witch" joke was made about 3 times to my count. I also explained that I do not worship satan, and that warlock is an insult to witches. They seemed to still be a bit predjudiced. I was released, walked home, and began to write this.
1: the pull-over May have been in another town than the arresting
officer was from, but I am not certain yet.
2: he poked his head in the open window, does THAT count as a
search?
3: I was wearing pentacle, and DID have other ritual items in
car, the kindjall IS a ritual item, the other knife isn't per-say,
but I DO use it as a bolline from time to time.
4: I DID receive a additional charge that can be plea-bargained
down to.
I appreciate all the help and support I'll be receiving from this.
Caliburn Greywolf
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 2, 1998
RICHMOND -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia today asked a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge to reconsider his decision not to permit Rosemary Kooiman to perform marriages because she is a Wiccan.
Kooiman presides over the Nomadic Chantry of the Gramarye in Maryland, a 50-member congregation associated with the Church of Wicca. Earlier this month, in open court, Judge F. Bruce Bach told Kooiman that Wicca is not a religion and that she would therefore not be allowed to preside over wedding ceremonies in Virginia.
In a written opinion issued last Friday, Judge Bach said that Kooiman had not proved that she was a leader in her Chantry, nor was it clear to him that the Chantry was connected with the Wiccan religion. The papers filed by the ACLU ask the judge to rehear the case, allowing expert witnesses and members of the Chantry to testify on Kooiman's behalf.
"Even the most open-minded people forget sometimes that we are a nation of many religions," said Kent Willis, Executive Director of the ACLU of Virginia, "and that while some religions are less common and organized differently from others, in the eyes of the law they all have the same status.
"Religious freedom is for everyone, including Wiccans, whose numbers may be relatively small, but whose practices are unequivocally religious and predate Christianity," Willis continued.
Kooiman said that "it hurts us that our religious beliefs are not recognized. We practice our religion as fervently and responsibly as any other denomination," Kooiman said. "It is our belief that all paths lead to deity. Wicca is just one of those paths."
"We believe the judge ruled without being fully aware of the law," Willis added. "In our brief, we point out not only the long history of the organized Wiccan religion, but also the fact that the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. Military, and the IRS all recognize Wicca as a religion."
Lawyers for Mrs. Kooiman are Calvin Larson of Larson, Lilenthal and Morris in Reston, and Richard Ferris, Associate Director of the ACLU of Virginia.
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