Americans United Protests Presidential Snub Of Wiccan War Widow

Americans United

In 2006, Americans United sued the VA in federal court representing Stewart, two other Wiccan widows, Circle Sanctuary and Isis Invicta Military Mission. AU argued that the VA’s refusal to recognize the pentacle as a symbol of faith violated the religious liberty rights of Wiccan service members and their families and subverted the separation of church and state.

Earlier this year, the VA settled the lawsuit and announced it would include the pentacle on its list of religious symbols that are permitted on soldiers’ gravestones, markers and memorials.

During the litigation, AU attorneys unearthed evidence that the VA’s refusal to recognize the pentacle may have been motivated by bias toward the Wiccan faith. It appeared that the VA did not want to recognize the faith, which President Bush has publicly derided in the past.

Lynn said the president’s snub of Roberta Stewart smacked of retaliation for her public and successful stand against the administration policy.

“President Bush seems to be continuing a pattern of hostility toward the Wiccan faith,” he said. “That’s an outrage. America is a nation of great religious diversity, and all public officials, especially the president, have an obligation to serve all of the people. Our Constitution mandates equal treatment of all faiths.” [Emphasis Mine]

It would be bad enough if the snub was coming from a legitimate president. Coming from court-appointed King George, it's even more galling.

The Constitution protects ALL Americans, whether he likes it or not. He might as well deal with the fact that Wiccans have rights, too. We aren't going anywhere, and that includes back in the broom closet.