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Pentacle allowed on gravestones
23/04/2007 20:39 - (SA)
Wisconsin - The Wiccan pentacle has been added to the list of emblems allowed in United States cemeteries and on government-issued headstones of fallen US soldiers, according to a settlement announced on Monday.
A settlement between the US department of veterans affairs and Wiccans adds the five-pointed star to the list of "emblems of belief" allowed on VA grave markers.
Wicca is a nature-based religion based on respect for the earth, nature and the cycle of the seasons, but variations of the pentacle have been used in horror movies as a sign of the devil - a usage not accepted by Wiccans.
"This settlement has forced the Bush administration into acknowledging that there are no second-class religions in America, including among our nation's veterans," said the Reverend Barry W Lynn, director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which represented the Wiccans in the lawsuit.
Eleven families nationwide are waiting for grave markers with the pentacle, said Selena Fox, a Wiccan high priestess with Circle Sanctuary in Wisconsin and a plaintiff in the lawsuit.
The settlement calls for the pentacle, whose five points represent earth, air, fire, water and spirit, to be placed on grave markers within 14 days for those who have pending requests with the VA.
Pentacle allowed on gravestones
"I am glad this has ended in success in time to get markers for Memorial Day," said Fox. Memorial Day is celebrated in May.
The VA sought the settlement in the interest of the families involved and to save taxpayers the expense of further litigation, said VA spokesperson Matt Burns.
The agency also agreed to pay $225 000 (about R1.5m) in attorneys' fees and costs.
The pentacle has been added to 38 symbols the VA already permits on gravestones.
They include commonly recognised symbols for Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism, as well as those for smaller religions such as Sufism Reoriented, Eckiankar and the Japanese faith Seicho-No-Ie.
The American Civil Liberties Union said the agreement also settles a similar lawsuit it filed last year against the VA.
In that case, the ACLU represented two other Wiccan churches and three individuals.
VA-issued headstones, markers and plaques can be used in any cemetery, whether it is a national one such as Arlington near Washington or a private burial ground.
On the net:
VA approved religious emblems
Circle Sanctuary
- AP
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