I found this article at http://paganwiccan.about.com/. This would have been a breakthrough with acceptance to all earth-based religions. Something we have been waiting for a long time. It's sad that although the FBI is getting involved, this was not on national television. One must wonder why. I hope we get more chances like this in the future (without the vandalizing of course)Wiccan Holiday Display Vandalized
A few weeks ago, the town of Olean, NY, decided to allow the placement of a Nativity scene at City Hall. When some residents complained that allowing the display on government property could be in violation of law for separation of church and state, Mayor David Carucci responded amicably. He decided to allow members of other faiths to display their symbols on city property during those faiths' celebrations. A Wiccan resident, April Garlow, had planned to put up a display and then changed her mind.
Fast forward a bit. Garlow apparently decided to go ahead and take advantage of the compromise -- after all, it's a pretty groundbreaking scenario -- and set up a Wiccan pentacle display on city property. Now it turns out that Monday night, someone backed over the display in a pickup truck. Police are investigating the incident as a deliberate case of vandalism, and Olean police chief Terry Schnell said that the FBI has been contacted to look into this as a possible hate crime.
It's a shame, really, that this had to happen. I think it's great that the city council in Olean decided to let other religions besides Christianity put up displays. It's too bad not everyone is as tolerant as the folks who made that decision. When asked by a reporter if it was right to put a Christian display on city property, Carucci responded by saying, "Of course, as long as you've invited everyone else and we've invited everyone."
Tuesday December 11, 2007
P.S.
http://paganwiccan.about.com/ is a good place to find out what's new in the "magical" world. I usually go at least once a week.
Reply
