HISTORY OF WICCA AND WHEN IT WAS RECOGNIZED AS A RELIGION

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When was Wicca recognized as a religion?
In: Wicca
Answer:
Wicca, an Neopagan religion
Is Wicca a religion? Rulings by U.S. courts

Wicca is a newer religion based on a mix of Saxon/Celtic folk traditions and Ceremonial magic. It was officially called Wicca by Gerald Gardener in the 50's. In the United States, Wicca was finally recognized as a religion in various states and by the Army in response to it's soldiers wanting to practice their faith without persecution.

Government recognition
Wiccan and other Neopagan groups have been recognized by governments in the US and Canada and given tax exempt status. Wiccan priests and priestesses have been given access to penitentiaries in both countries, and the privilege of performing handfastings/marriages. On 2001-MAR-15, the list of religious preferences in the U.S. Air Force Personnel Data System (MilMod) was augmented to include: Dianic Wicca, Druidism, Gardnerian Wicca, Pagan, Seax Wicca, Shamanism, and Wicca. 4

Other court rulings:

Online information

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The 1964 concurring opinion by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Douglas, in the case of United States v. Seeger, (380 U.S. 163), confirmed that the United States is a pluralistic nation, founded on the belief that religion must not be used to indoctrinate or coerce. This was also supported by the majority ruling in Lee v. Weisman, (505 U.S. 577) in 1992.

Military Courts of Justice in the U.S. have also found Wicca to be a valid religion, deserving of protection under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In United States v. Phillips, (42 M.J. 346) in 1995) the concurring opinion by Judge Wiss stated: "First, Wicca is a socially recognized religion. It is is acknowledged as such by the Army. See Dept. of the Army (DA) Pamphlet 165-13-1, Religious Requirements and Practices of Certain Selected Groups: A Handbook for Chaplains (April 1980), revising A Pamphlet 165-13, "Religious Requirements and Practices of Certain Selected Groups: A Handbook for Chaplains" (April 1978). Further, it is acknowledged as such in courts of law." 7

U.S. Law:
One law which attempts to define a religion is:

The Civil rights Act of 1964 states "To be a religious belief entitled to protection under either the First Amendment or Title VII, a belief must be sincerely held, and within the believer's own scheme of things religious." (USCA Const. Amend 1: Civil Rights Act 1964 701 et seq., 717 as amended 42 USCA 2000-16)