Subj : Pagan Bill of Rights
To   : RACHEL L. AKERS
From : TODD HENSON
Date : Sun Mar 11 2001 09:53 pm

> Was just sent this... No author or source & I'm still thinking about its 
worth
> but FWeding anyway even for the debate...
> 
>                          Pagan Bill Of Rights
>  
>          ONE - Pagans shall have the same freedom to worship that is 
>                 granted to followers of other religions. 


Where in America are pagans not allowed to practice paganism?


>          TWO - Pagans shall have the same respect of all elected 
>                 officials who represent them that is afforded to 
>                 followers of other religions. 


That depends on what is meant by "respect". If by "respect" they mean
"their religious beliefs 
are looked on as being equal to others", then that's not workable, or even
sensible. Beyond 
that, the degree of "respect" that is given to them will depend on what
activities or agendas they 
may be advocating, which is a rule that applies to anyone regardless of
religion.


>          THREE - A Pagan parent's religion shall not be used as 
>                 evidence for the purpose of deciding child custody 
>                 issues. 


If a parent's "religious" practices are unhealthy and harmful, then that
will probably be used as a 
consideration whether a person is pagan or not. But I agree that the mere
fact of paganism 
should not be used against a parent.


>          FOUR - Pagans shall be free to work without regard to their 
>                 religion, and should be free from proselytizing and 
>                 harassment at the workplace.


I'm not aware of any place in America that requires a religious test as a
condition of 
employment.

As for the other part, why should pagans be granted special "freedoms" from
proselytizing while 
other people are not? There's a little free-speech problem here. But
outright harassment is 
surely a no-no.


>          FIVE - Pagans shall have the same freedom to conduct their 
>                 lives that is given to followers of other religions, 
>                 within the boundaries of the law, without interference
>                 by or discrimination from representatives of their 
>                 local, state or federal government. 


I wonder what kinds of discrimination is being referred to here.


>          SIX - School district personnel and classroom visitors shall
>                 not proselytize or harass Pagan children while on 
>                 public school property or at public school functions.  


Shall they ever proselytize Christian or agnostic children?


>          SEVEN - Pagans shall have the same freedom to exercise all 
>                 of their rights as do all other American citizens. 
>                                                  ^^^^^ <clear throat>


I'm not aware that pagans are being denied their rights in America.


>          EIGHT - Pagans are entitled to the free exercise of their 
>                 beliefs and rituals and must be protected from the 
>                 interference of others during the practice thereof. 


When are pagan rituals interfered with in America?


>         NINE - Pagans shall have the right to redress when their 
>                 religious rights are abused. 


Sounds OK.


>         TEN - Pagans shall be able to wear sacred symbols of their 
>                faith in environments where followers of other faiths 
>                are free to express themselves similarly.


Depends on the environment, whether public or private, etc...which would
apply to any other 
religion as well.
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