Religious Freedom
It has been my experience that when I find myself holding the minority perspective on an issue I am keenly aware of discrimination and insults, and when I have been in the majority perspective I become partially blind to the other side. Pagans, who hold a growing but still minority perspective on religious matters, tend to be keenly aware of issues of religious freedom and freedom of speech.
Pagan Bill of Rights
This document came out of work done by the Pagan Unity Campaign (PUC). (Have you considered joining the Pagan Unity Campaign chapter in your area? Check it out.)
1. Pagans shall have the same freedom to worship that is granted to followers of other religions.
2. Pagans shall have the same respect of all elected officials who represent them that is afforded to followers of other religions.
3. A Pagan parent's religion shall not be used as evidence for the purpose of deciding child custody issues.
4. Pagans shall be free to work without regard their religion, and should be free from proselytizing and harassment at the workplace.
5. 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.
6. School district personnel and classroom visitors shall not proselytize or harass Pagan children while on public school property or at public school functions.
7. Pagans shall have the same freedom to exercise all of their rights as do all other American citizens.
8. Pagans are entitled to the free exercise of their beliefs and rituals and must must be protected from the interference of others during the practice thereof.
9. Pagans shall have the right to redress when their religious rights are abused.
10. Pagans shall be able to wear sacred symbols of their faith in environments where followers of other faiths are free to express themselves similarly.
Organizations Sensitive to Pagan Concerns
These organizations are especially Pagan-friendly. Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. You can find these and other organizations recommended by Pagan Village News (scroll to the bottom of the page),
Religious Freedom as a General Issue
In addition to using the Research Tools to explore Religious Freedom, you may want to check these specific sites. My bias is evident in my choice of sites, but you can easily find other perspectives by using the research tools.
Your Contribution?
I have heard several people say that they never realized how important the services provided by these agencies were until they needed legal counseling. Please consider what you might be able to contribute to those who provide such an important and generous service to the Pagan community.
