Wiccan lawsuit against VA goes on fast track.An Americans United-sponsored lawsuit seeking U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Affairs is a term of the business that deals with the relation between a government and its veteran communities, usually administered by the designated government agency. recognition of the Wiccan symbol of faith is headed for the courtroom. On Jan. 26, U.S. District Judge John Shabaz rejected the VA's motion to stay the legal action and instead set a trial date of June 29. Government lawyers had argued that litigation An action brought in court to enforce a particular right. The act or process of bringing a lawsuit in and of itself; a judicial contest; any dispute. When a person begins a civil lawsuit, the person enters into a process called litigation. should pause until work on new guidelines for religious symbols on government-issued memorial markers can be completed. Americans United sued the VA last year on behalf of Wiccan organizations and veterans' widows. AU attorneys argue in Circle Sanctuary Circle Sanctuary is a non-profit organization and legally recognized Wiccan Church[1] based in southwestern Wisconsin, USA, with approximately 15,000 subscribers[2]. v. Nicholson that permitting some religious symbols to be displayed on government markers while refusing others is unconstitutional. For many years now, Wiccans have sought the VA's permission to use the pentacle--an encircled en·cir·cle tr.v. en·cir·cled, en·cir·cling, en·cir·cles 1. To form a circle around; surround. See Synonyms at surround. 2. To move or go around completely; make a circuit of. , intertwined five-pointed star--on headstones and markers. "We're pleased that the litigation will go forward, and the VA will not be able to delay further coming to the right decision and giving the families of veterans the memorials that they're entitled to," Richard B. Katskee, assistant legal director of Americans United, told the Associated Press Associated Press: see news agency. Associated Press (AP) Cooperative news agency, the oldest and largest in the U.S. and long the largest in the world. . |
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