As a Quebecer, I'll say "no-thanks" but yea, I really don't get how polygamy (or polyamory or whatever you want to call it) should be illegal. Abusive relations should be illegal, no matter if you are 2 or 26 with two dogs...

Heck, as a communist (thus historical materialist) I can easily see the impotance of Vodoun in that revolution. Marx claims on religion were ones of another era, one dominated by branches of Christianity that mentally enslaved proletarian people. I feel no paradox between my political orientation and religion.

Back on the topic, being French Canadian, I had never heard of that Pat Robertson guy. And now I don't feel much better knowing him. When he dies, I hope his God will look upon him for his terrible action an say that Faith isn't enough, you failed at humankind.

I wish I could send more but well you know :-s

Thanks for being there Jason, as a journalism student, I can say that you are a great model of integrity and dedication.

Blessed Samhain, may this new year bring its good share of joy and peace for all your families

This guy is a shame to all pagans. He brought dishonor to Heathen community by associating them with the overly retarded NSBM (National Socialist Black Metal). I just can't see how you can justify that because you are a following of Odin's way that this make you a Nazi. Here in Quebec, when I meet an Heathen, I can be 80% sure that the person will be a Nazi, other people like a very close friend of mine get weird looks just by showing her religion.

Wierd, I was pretty sure I had posted a nice reply, but can't find it. Internet must be acting up again :)

Basically, in french the word sect bears a very clear meaning. It's a group where psychological, physical (and sometimes sexual) abuse is present along with potential financial fraud, isolation from friends and families and other thing of the like. This has no place in a modern society and faith is no reason to ignore the law. It's not a matter of heresy or mainstream/minority religion, it's a simple matter of human rights.

The reports didn't really "out" people as Raelians, it "outed" their practices that have no reason to exist. People who sued where "outed" Raelians that got their reputation tarnished by the truth. It's a bit like if Nixon had sued Woodward after the Watergate scandal, it would be little bit retarded huh ?

As for transparency, you are right that it's much harder to be crystal clear when in the closet. What is more important is not outing yourself tho, it's about being open. As a group, should we accept to have our beliefs exposed ? I think yes, we (talking as a Wiccan) are not a sect, we are not doing illegal stuff and are a fairly positive religion. We have nothing to hide. To make sure that we are understood don't necessary mean that you have to out yourself but yes, somebody will have to.

I don't know if sect bears the same meaning in English than it does in french but in french a sect implies physical and psychological abuse, financial fraud etc. The report of Mrs McCann basically showed how Raelians really are and that behind this goofy UFO freak image, there is a whole bunch of bastards with a bent on domination.

IMO, if you are doing illegal stuff (like they did) you should have to be paranoid about members of your groups, pretty much the same way a bunch of robber should be. I mean this decision is ridiculous, should Nixon be able to sue succesfully Woodward ? After all, he did loose his job and his reputation ?

Ok let's start by saying that I'm from Quebec, so I have read and watch all the jazz around the Raelian affair. I must say that it's a total shame that the judge ruled for Raelians in this case. I am deeply sorry to the rest of the world to have this miserable failure in my home.

First job of a journalist is to tell the truth. If Raelians act like a sect, then they should be labeled as such. People deserve to know what's going on. And that don't only apply to goofy UFO freaks or isolated polygamist ranch but to all of us. Wiccans (and other Pagans/Goddess worshipers) tend to be very secretive to the point we can get mistaken for a sect, the only answer is transparency. If you got nothing to hide, then you have no reason to do it.

That does not mean you have to out yourself as Wiccan/Pagan/etc... simply that secrecy is doing us much more harm than anything.

Blessed Beltane to you and your families.

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