Comments on: Want to keep your 1st Amendment rights? Read this!

By: Kyle

Kyle — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 16:51:21 +0000

Please read this piece that was originally in the Wall Street Journal:
http://www.becketfund.org/index.php/article/1158.html

It’s by the director of an organization called the “Becket Fund” which defends religious freedom.

In that article above, he talks about his legal defense work of a priest of Santeria. He goes on to give a very powerful defense of “unpopular beliefs.”

This might be a good organization for pagans and their supports to have in mind if or when they find their constitutions rights trampled upon by the majority.

By: Elysia

Elysia — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:36:23 +0000

Careful about semantics here – there is currently no “law” in California making us second-tier citizens. Rather, this is what the California Prison System is planning to argue in court so that they don’t have to change their backward policy. Hopefully the court will see this for what it is – a blatant attack on First Amendment rights – and laugh them out of the courtroom.

By: AllannaL

AllannaL — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:33:18 +0000

“1st tier faiths…” How many have read Orwell’s “Animal Farm?” It was required reading in school when I was a kid. Remember, when the animals first took control of the farm, they flew a banner that proclaimed:”ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL!” Then, as the pigs gradually took over, the banner was amended to read: “ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL–BUT SOME ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS!” Just substitute the word “animals” with the word “religions”; it’s kinda Orwellian, don’t you think?

By: AllannaL

AllannaL — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 10:48:43 +0000

I find it ironic that this law exists in California of all places! Isn’t this the state where more alternate religions are practiced than anywhere else in the country? It was here, while living in Los Angeles, I converted to Paganism in 1989. Little did I realize my American citizenship would take a hit, and I would be demoted to “citizen second class,” in spite of being born into a family that’s been here over 300 years!

I don’t hate Christians–my mother and dear brother follow that path–but 2 decades of discrimination (and even times of fearing physical harm) has left me a bit wary of them. So am I shocked when I read about hate crimes such as the desecration of the Pagan worship area at the USAF base? Sadly, no…not anymore.

I try to be more tolerant, however, being human and not the Goddess, I’m often not successful. But whenever I’ve encountered religious intolerance/ignorance/bigotry, more often than not, the perpetrator professes to be a Christian. I had Christianity forced on me by well-meaning parents; but I was never truly, spiritually happy until my conversion. I left this faith because there was something missing in it for me, as did many Pagans so I don’t understand when non-Pagan folk assume we must be ignorant of Christianity. I have never been happier in my faith. I liken it to a flower in bloom: it only becomes more beautiful as time passes. I imagine this is how may feel about their faiths, no matter what they are.

Now, as for the politicians…I read that the Pagan religions–especially Wicca–are growing the fastest of any in the US. I don’t know about you, but I vote! Pagans now number in the millions; that’s a pretty significant voting block, and growing as we are, they can’t afford to ignore us forever. Speak the only language politicians understand: VOTE!!!

By: Leela Bruner

Leela Bruner — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:33:30 +0000

This shows complete misunderstanding and ignorance. Hindu’s believe that there is only one God. But do not limit it to just one form…. God exists within all. It’s on thing to be prejudice and another to be prejudice against something that you project onto others belief systems. yikes.

By: Pagans Excluded From First Amendment? | The Emerald Tablet

Pagans Excluded From First Amendment? | The Emerald Tablet — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:35:20 +0000

[...] at the Wild Hunt, and is essential reading for all pagans. Elysia Gallo of Llewellyn has added her voice. Cherry Hill Seminary has issued a press release supporting Patrick. Circle Sanctuary has expanded [...]

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:15:14 +0000

NYT has an article about the First Amendment and I have posted links to this site. I recommend that others go and post a comment about this situation. The more commentary that they receive the more likely that they will cover the story.

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/01/what-is-the-first-amendment-for

Respectfully,
Mike

By: Melanie Harris

Melanie Harris — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:37:48 +0000

It definitely creeps me out that the organization behind this assault is called “Wallbuilders Inc.”! That’s just too honest. I don’t understand how this proposal has even made it this far through the court system. It seems to be in obvious violation of established laws and liberties.

By: PatriotM

PatriotM — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:19:34 +0000

Let’s call these Christian bigots what they are, ANTI-AMERICAN!
Read the “Treaty of Tripoli” 1796, Article 11, ratified unanimously by Congress and signed by the President (who had signed the Declaration of Independence).
This type is constantly using their “religion” as a weapon to take away freedom and destroy the Democracy on which this country was truly founded.
Freedom of Religion means ALL religions. If they don’t care for American beliefs, they’re free to move to a theocracy somewhere else.

By: Kara

Kara — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:07:16 +0000

I am deeply saddened, concerned and offended by the the Wallbuilders’ legal argument that would strip Americans of their Constitutional Rights.

How is it that I, who served my Country in the Armed Services, can now be relegated to a “Second Tier” citizen over a matter of religious choice?

The Founding Fathers that the Wallbuilders enjoy citing, followed a mixed bag of religions. I feel those brave and learned men would be outraged by the Wallbuilders’ actions.

Freedom of Religion comes without restriction. Freedom is also never free. We must all stand and make our voices heard – regardless of differences of opinion – and let not our Freedom be eroded by silence.