Wiccan Puts Faith in the Court System

[davidinalameda]

http://www.latimes.com/features/religion/la-na-wiccan26dec26,1,5078689.story?coll=la-news-religion

As a member of a religious minority, Judith Smell is sensitive about her right to practice whatever religion she chooses.

So when Lehigh Carbon Community College declined to hire her, she suspected it had something to do with her faith. And on Dec. 17, she sued the college in federal court, saying the school had violated her right to religious freedom.

Smell, 37, of Coaldale, Pa., practices a pagan religion known as Wicca. She describes it as a nature-based faith that is attuned to the elements — earth, water, air and fire.