Veteran's Affairs deny Wiccan burial

Neo · 07-05-2006, 04:07 PM

I heard a story on the radio today that the Veteran's Affairs Dept refuses to give a military burial to a soldier killed in action because he wanted a wiccan symbol (a five-sided star within a circle) inscribed on his tombstone. The family has come forward saying they practice a religion of nature and it has nothing to do with devil worshipping. The government however refuses to budge. It should be noted that Veteran's Affairs allows some 40 other symbols representing several different religions.

Typhoid · 07-05-2006, 04:12 PM

Government refuses to budge?

Seperation of church and state?

What?

Teuthida · 07-06-2006, 10:49 AM

I hate the negative connotation often Wicca gets. I forget where exactly it was but this one Wiccan police officier started an organization to help protect the rights of Wiccans and Pagans in the police force around the country after receiving unfair treament himself. And even if someone is a devil worshipper why should it matter? The soldier fought just like everyone else. Freedom of religion my ass.

KillerGremlin · 07-09-2006, 06:19 PM

Oh, I'm all for freedom or religion and I think the family of the veteran should be pissed, but the Wiccan stuff is kinda whacky.

Teuthida · 07-09-2006, 07:06 PM

It's a earth based religion. Listened to a number of podcasts on it so by no mean's an expert but seems nice.

Typhoid · 07-09-2006, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillerGremlin

Oh, I'm all for freedom or religion and I think the family of the veteran should be pissed, but the Wiccan stuff is kinda whacky.

But that shouldnt matter, it's his religion.

Why be accepting of all of them, except a select few?

Jonbo298 · 07-09-2006, 07:29 PM

Its a fricken SYMBOL. Its not like there are things preaching about X thing on it.

Its not going to ruin anyone's life if its on the tombstone.

KillerGremlin · 07-10-2006, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Typhoid

But that shouldnt matter, it's his religion.

Why be accepting of all of them, except a select few?

I said he was right. Hell, if he wants a swastika on his tombstone that's fine by me. But that's whacky too.

"All those old senators going:
"The confederate flag is just the symbol of states' rights."
Yeah, and the swastika is just a good luck charm."

I'm an avid supporter of freedom of speech. I have yet to meet a smart wikkan.

Although, the government would never have it. It's easier to make one family angry instead of making 50 or 60.