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Witch sues for religious discrimination
29/11/2000 11:27 - (SA)
Los Angeles - A "white witch" is resorting to a very modern weapon on Tuesday, suing
his union for making him pay union dues he says are in violation of
his religious beliefs.
Robert Hunt, an accounting professor and member of the Wiccan
religion, charges the California Faculty Association with religious
discrimination and civil rights violations for forcing him to pay
mandatory union dues.
The suit was filed on Tuesday on Hunt's behalf by the conservative
National Right to Work Legal Defence Foundation, which lists its
sole mission as protecting employees against "compulsory unionism
abuse".
"Dr Hurt has the right to exercise his beliefs without being
harassed by union bureaucrats," said foundation spokesperson Randy
Wanke.
The union's lawyer could not be reached for immediate comment.
In California, an employee can be fired for failing to pay union
dues.
But Hunt wants to permanently bar the union from deducting fees,
and turn over those dues already paid to a charity. He also wants
to halt the union from demanding dues from others who might object.
Hunt says he has been a practising Wiccan for 10 years.
The guiding principle of Wiccan social ethics, according to the
lawsuit, is, "If it harms none, do what you want".
Hunt believes the "militant union exercises coercive power to hurt
people", and therefore it would be immoral to support it by paying
dues.
Hunt is seeking unspecified compensatory damages and attorneys'
fees.
- Sapa-AFP
- SAPA
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