Project Witches Protection

WITCHES HARASSMENT PROTECTION

            One of the more frequent complaints that I hear from Craft people around the country is that they are either afraid of asking police for help when harassed, or that their local police refuse to help. These situations are certainly unpleasant, but not insurmountable.  The local police department MUST protect you, and do a good job of it whether they like it or not.  It is a constitutional requirement that they uphold the law of the land.

            At the first sign of harassment, report the incident to your police department.  Be sure that you state that you are frightened and your safety and well-being is being threatened because of your religious beliefs.  If they ask what the belief is – tell them.  This is the hardest part for most of us.  Make sure they know that you are serious.  Any act of harassment because of your religious beliefs is a federal offense.  Remind the police of that, and tell them you expect protection.  If they don’t acknowledge that Witchcraft is protected (see footnote), tell them it’s not their place to decide that, and pose the question, “What are you going to do to protect my constitutional Rights?”  The answer should be a positive one.

            When or if it becomes evident that you are not getting the necessary protection at the local level as is your right as a citizen, report the situation to both the local police chief, and the PWP.  Other parties to contact include your state police agency as well as the local office of the F.B.I.  Remember, harassment because of your religion is a federal offense, and the F.B.I. is a federal law enforcement agency.  The intent here is to make as many agencies as possible aware of your plight.  The more authorities that are talking about the problems you are facing, especially at the state and federal level, the more you can be assured that protection will be at your doorstep from the local police.

            With respect to the people causing the harassment, there are also a variety of actions that can be taken.  If all the fuss the police make on your behalf does not make things better, you can request a stay-away order.  You may need a lawyer to assist you, but, in many cases, the necessary information on “how to” can be obtained from the local Legal Aid Society.  You may be able to do it all by yourself, though we are not recommending this, in the event that you miss something you shouldn’t.  Many lawyers take on occasional “pro bono” work, meaning they offer their services for free, for those who cannot otherwise afford legal counsel.  To locate such a person, contact your State’s Bar Association, or other association of lawyers.  Check your telephone books for these listings.

            In a few cases, it may be necessary to take the harassing party to court.  If the problems you are experiencing with this/these person(s) can truly be linked to your belief and practice of Witchcraft and your attorney feels that such an argument will stand up in court, be sure that the proper federal charges are made against these people.  In most instances, once faced with a federal lawsuit for violation of a person’s constitutional rights, most people will back right off and seek a settlement out of court.  Your attorney can best advise you from this point on.

            Certainly none of this is an easy course to follow, to fight.  As more people do decide to fight, the problems will eventually abate, and the rest of us will breathe a little easier each time we “come out of the broom closet” with our legal armor.

It should be noted that the Federal Court of the United States has ruled that Wicca or Witchcraft is a legally recognized religion (617 F. Supp. 592/799 F. 2d 934) and, as such, qualifies for the protections under the law afforded other religious groups in this country. (USCA AMENDS 1, 14).

203 Washington Street Suite 225
Salem Massachusetts 01970

(978)-666-0758