VA to Be Sued Over Wiccan Burial Rights

According to the Air Force Times, a group named Americans United for Separation of Church and State filed a lawsuit yesterday against the VA for the use of the Wiccan symbol on grave markers. Well it's about time someone was able to start the ball rolling on this! I honestly don't see why it had to come to this point, but it has. Hopefully this will get someone at the VA moving finally after 9 years of petitioning.

According to Rob Boston, the group spokesman, "We seek equal treatment among religions by the government. We think the federal government is clearly discriminating against Wicca by refusing to recognize its symbols … Why the federal government continues to fight this is beyond me." It's good to see a group that normally defends the separation of church and state to get involved in such a worthy cause. Apparently the lawsuit needed to be filed since the VA keeps spinning why they have not done anything. The reason they insist on giving has something to do with nobody of the Wiccan faith have successfully met the "criteria" for the emblem to be accepted. If you take a peek at my initial blog, that couldn't be further from the truth. I fully believe the real reason behind this is that the current administration does not support Wiccan at all. President Bush has been quoted in the past for making off handed comments about his disbelief in "witches". Well, whether he likes it or not, there are many "witches" fighting this war and dying for HIS cause.

There have been many people in the military express that they do not want "special" treatment from the government over their religious beliefs. All they really want is to be treated equally to the other religions. I personally believe that it shouldn't matter what religion you are. If you are in the military and die for this country, you should be able to put whatever you want on your grave marker. You have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country and our freedom, so if you really want a picture of He-Man or Superman instead of a religious symbol, then so be it....you would deserve it.

I will continue to follow this story and keep it updated when possible. It's unfortunate that Sgt. Stewart had to die in order for this to be brought to the light of the public eye, and I want to make sure none of this is done in vain. Please remember to show your support for our fallen troops and visit Circle Sanctuary's website.