Update: Appeals Court Tosses Judge�s Order in Wiccan Parenting Case

August 17, 2005

Source: Beliefnet

Wire Service: AP

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/173/story_17335_1.html

On August 17, 2005 the Associated Press reported, "A judge who ordered two Wicca believers to shield their son from their 'non-mainstream' faith overstepped his authority, an appeals court said Wednesday in dismissing the order. The Indiana Court of Appeals said state law gave a custodial parent the authority to determine a child's upbringing, including religious training. A judge could find that certain limitations were needed to protect a child from physical or emotional harm.

The parents' appeal, brought by the Indiana Civil Liberties Union, claimed among other issues that the decree was unconstitutionally vague because it did not define mainstream religion. But the appeals court based its ruling on state law."