Sacred Blades
Arch Druidess Debbie King, of the Insular Order of Druids in the UK, was recently arrested for refusing to give up her ritual blade (or athame) after having a bundle of her sacred items searched in court.
Debbie King at a handfasting.
“When she went to collect the bag later she was kept waiting for an hour before two police officers arrived and arrested her. Miss King, 44, said she had the Druid kit with her as she was due to carry out a television interview later in the day, and didn’t know if she would have time to return home and collect her belongings after supporting a family member in court. Miss King, of Furze Lane, Milton, Portsmouth, said: ‘It would have the same status as a crucifix to Christians. It represents truth, honour, justice and protection. ‘I was told if I signed a disclaimer and gave up the athame I would just be given a caution, but I had to stand my ground. ‘If it was just for me I wouldn’t mind so much, but it’s for all the other pagans who carry a knife ? this could create a precedent.’”
King Arthur Pendragon, from the Council of British Druid Orders who won an earlier court case to bring his ritual sword (which he wears at all times) to court is vowing that he will help fight the case (actually he said he would defend her to “the hilt”). This issue has been batted around in both the USA and the UK now for years, sometimes in our favor and sometimes not. This case could finally set a precedent allowing the free wear of ritual blades in the country. As for America, it could take a trip to the Supreme Court before we have a any similar chance.
Thanks to Stephen Ball for tipping me off to the story.
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