Legalities of the Pentagram

Back in April I applied for a position with the City of Phoenix. Yesterday, I finallly had my three hour background interview. The process is far from over but I had to sign some papers yesterday. One was on the policy regarding jewelery and tattoos at work. Towards the bottom on the form was a section on religious jewelry.

It said something to the effect that you can not wear anything that would incite a strong negative reaction from your co-workers. Some of the examples listed were: KKK paraphenelia, swatiskas, and pentagrams.

However, further down the page there was a section about how you can wear items for your religion, as long as it is a recognized religion by the government.

Wicca is a religion given legal rights to its followers. So to me, this means that one could make the argument that they should be allowed to wear their pentagram because Wicca is a recognized religion. However, I consider myself a witch and not a Wiccan, so would this still apply to me?

I'm not sure if I'm going to get the position or not. And if I do work there my pentagram is on a long chain and is usually under my shirt (close to my heart). But I like to think things out as a 'what if' question.

Any thoughts?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Capricorn on December 11, 2008 at 8:15pm: It applies to you even if you are not wiccan as far as I am concerned. But I'm not a politician or a lawmaker.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Char on December 11, 2008 at 8:23pm: The pentagram is an old symbol... not one of Wicca. You have the right to wear it. I'll wear mine, the Christians have their cross, don't they?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by PamWiccan on December 11, 2008 at 8:22pm: I wear my pentagram proudly, but i am retired so I do not have to worry about work, If I did have to though I would just keep it close to your heart at work, and anywhere else wear it proudly. Brightest Blessings!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by AlanHeartsong on December 11, 2008 at 8:23pm: If you were a law student, or dating one, I'd say you have great grounds for a discrimination suit and force them to change their policies. Pentagrams are part of the Wiccan religion, and that religion is recognized by the government, therefore they can't tell you that you can't wear it openly unless they ban all religious jewelry.

But, if you want the job, I'd just keep a lid on it. After all, the income to keep a roof over your head and food on the table is more important.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Brenda Marie on December 11, 2008 at 8:56pm: Someone will probably be bringing a suit against them eventually...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by SIN on December 12, 2008 at 11:36am: Why can't that someone be you?

Personally, I find this whole 'religious jewelry' issue nonsensical. No company or government should have a right over personal preference of belief, or what symbols you choose to represent it.

You could say that their crucifixes offend you.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Brenda Marie on December 12, 2008 at 11:41am: If I get the position I may very well bring this topic up. However, if I do not get the position I could not see myself claiming discrimination when it is not adversely affecting me.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by SIN on December 12, 2008 at 11:47am: I'd wear what you like, if they say something to you - I'd say "I had no idea I am violating company policy, can you demonstrate my violation?"

If they call you on the pent, I would rebuttal with that your 'religion' is legally recognized by the government, therefore you are not in violation.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by SIN on December 12, 2008 at 11:33am: So is Satanism, I could technically wear an inverted pent, and be abiding by company policy.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Char on December 11, 2008 at 8:29pm: Personally, I think it's all government bullshit, but what do I know?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by PamWiccan on December 11, 2008 at 8:43pm: It is bullshit. I wear mine everywhere I go, Just today I was in Publix, and this guy walked up to me and said hey, I love your necklace, then he showed me his. This is why I am proud of who and what I am.; ▶ Reply to This