7.15.2008
Updates on Recent Stories
I have important updates on two recent stories:
Do Not Vex, Pester, or Annoy the Catholic Youth: It looks like justice has prevailed in Australia. A law created especially for the Catholic mega-gathering World Youth Day that would make "annoying" or "inconveniencing" visiting Catholics an offense punishable by a hefty fine has been struck down by Australia's Federal Court.
"The Federal Court has ruled against the ‘annoying’ laws instigated for the Pope's World Youth Day visit, saying they could have a "chilling effect” upon freedom of speech. The court ruled in favour of NoToPope activists Rachel Evans and Amber Pike, who brought the case against the NSW Government. The pair claimed the legislation would have prevented their members from handing out leaflets and other material."
This is a great victory for free speech and free expression! So Aussie Pagans, feel free to wear that Pentacle in public, don an inflammatory t-shirt, or distribute condoms as you see fit.
Satanic Panic Alive and Well in North Carolina: A North Carolina couple who have been accused of kidnapping, rape, and engaging in Satanic cult activities were in court Monday, where a judge decided the case against them could go forward.
"It was an interest in the occult that brought the accusers to Durham. The woman and man who have accused a couple in a sexual assault case that includes allegations of channeling demons and caging a man were in Durham County District Court on Monday. The woman, 44, and man, 19, were called to the stand in a probable cause hearing for Joseph Scott Craig, 25, and Joy Suzanne Johnson, 30, the husband and wife accused in a case that was described by one defense attorney as "consensual sadomasochism" gone awry."
In my original entry I had some serious questions about the validity of this case. The new information brought to light here raises even more. We now know that the plaintiffs not only engaged in consensual sexual activities with the defendants, but were living with them for a span of six months. Again "Satanism" is thrown around, and that they discussed "demons". The more I hear about this case, the more it seems like a consensual domestic situation turned ugly. The only question is if the real truth will come to light in this case.
Labels: Australia, Catholicism, free speech, law, litigation, North Carolina, Paganism, Religious Freedom, Satanic Panic, Satanism, World Youth Day
Comments:
"The more I hear about this case, the more it seems like a consensual domestic situation turned ugly. "
That may well be the case but this does not mean that there were no criminal acts involved in that ugly situation, including rape or even kidnapping (or forcible confinement).
As far as distributing condoms goes, that is a "religious practice " of Raelians. They also have a strong anti-Catholic streak, often targeting Catholic institutions or events for their condom distribution campaigns.
"...this does not mean that there were no criminal acts involved in that ugly situation..."
Of course. If any illegal action has taken place, it should be punished. I'm merely saying that it all sounds "off" to me.
As a Pagan in Raleigh NC (and therefore posting anonymously), of course Satan and occult panic is alive and well here. It has been for years, and I don't expect it to change anytime soon. The list of things I have been told in my time living in Raleigh + points east , that are "Satanic" are incredible. Basically anything the (often Baptist )church does not approve of down here is Satan worship. The Christians have a blank check to do as they wish here (Bible Belt still), and woe be to anyone else who sticks their neck out.
I'm sorry if I sound bitter, or stereotypical (no I won't tell you I was fired for wearing a pentacle in public - because I don't actually feel comfortable wearing such things around here so I dont), but it's truth in this part of the country. Maddening truth.
That and politics and religion are far to intertwined down here, it just happens to be christianity it's intertwined with.
I'm a Raleigh pagan too--Satanic Panic is not exclusive to North Carolina, nor should Pagans to cower in fear.
I'm just surprised that Reverend Mark Creech and his "Christian Action League" haven't gotten involved in this yet.
Post a Comment
"The more I hear about this case, the more it seems like a consensual domestic situation turned ugly. "
That may well be the case but this does not mean that there were no criminal acts involved in that ugly situation, including rape or even kidnapping (or forcible confinement).
As far as distributing condoms goes, that is a "religious practice " of Raelians. They also have a strong anti-Catholic streak, often targeting Catholic institutions or events for their condom distribution campaigns.
"...this does not mean that there were no criminal acts involved in that ugly situation..."
Of course. If any illegal action has taken place, it should be punished. I'm merely saying that it all sounds "off" to me.
As a Pagan in Raleigh NC (and therefore posting anonymously), of course Satan and occult panic is alive and well here. It has been for years, and I don't expect it to change anytime soon. The list of things I have been told in my time living in Raleigh + points east , that are "Satanic" are incredible. Basically anything the (often Baptist )church does not approve of down here is Satan worship. The Christians have a blank check to do as they wish here (Bible Belt still), and woe be to anyone else who sticks their neck out.
I'm sorry if I sound bitter, or stereotypical (no I won't tell you I was fired for wearing a pentacle in public - because I don't actually feel comfortable wearing such things around here so I dont), but it's truth in this part of the country. Maddening truth.
That and politics and religion are far to intertwined down here, it just happens to be christianity it's intertwined with.
I'm a Raleigh pagan too--Satanic Panic is not exclusive to North Carolina, nor should Pagans to cower in fear.
I'm just surprised that Reverend Mark Creech and his "Christian Action League" haven't gotten involved in this yet.
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