New Lousiana law defends pagans

Panel moves âReligious Freedom Actâ:

A Senate panel narrowly approved legislation Tuesday whose supporters say reaffirms constitutional guarantees of freedom of religious expression.

Approval came over the objections of those who contend Senate Bill 606 is unnecessary because the U.S. Constitution and the Louisiana Constitution already protect religious freedom.â¦

The measure, sponsored by state Sen. Danny Martiny, R-Metairie, also had support from Baptist and Catholic church representatives as well as the head of a group that promotes a pagan church.

Valli Henry, president of the Louisiana Alliance of Wiccans, said the legislation âbolstered our hope of spreading Wicca and paganism throughout Louisiana.â

Henryâs group recently came under attack as it planned a pagan festival in Livingston Parish.

Indeed.