The US Department of Veterans Affiars have added the Wiccan pentacle to its list of “emblems of belief” allowed on the government-issued headstones of veterans. The new policy apparently settles two lawsuits against the VA, including one filed last year by the American Civil Liberties Union representing Wiccan churches and individuals. From the Associated Press:
The VA sought the settlement in the interest of the families involved and to save taxpayers the expense of further litigation, VA spokesman Matt Burns said. The agency also agreed to pay $225,000 in attorneys’ fees and costs…
“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 Rev. Barry W. Lynn, director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which represented the Wiccans in the (latest) lawsuit.
