Religious Freedom Laws (self.zoophilia)
submitted 2015-04-30 17:23:18 by Yearningmice
So, I notice a lot of the religious freedom laws are being used for purposes that they were not obviously intended for. (Feeding the homeless and removing the 72 hour wait for abortions, for example) This is just something to keep in mind in the case where you might be in one of those states and run afoul of the law.
The worship of Epona is a thing... Just saying.
Or you could worship Equus, taking the rituals from Peter Shaffer's Play. Just put aside a coat hanger and a belt, and maintain that you whip yourself into a frenzy every night.
In general, if you want to do this (which I wouldn't, because I dislike the idea of using a legal loophole I already disagree with), claim to be a member of some obscure offshoot of Hinduism. That religion is so decentralized and features enough zoophilic artwork at some temples that one might make a case for it there.
Each night I will ride Equus until he is covered in a frothy sweat.
Didn't that one go rather... badly?
Only because Alan actually believed that Equus spoke to him through horses. If you're faking it, it should be fine.
I haven't seen that one in quite a while. I so wish it was playing somewhere local. It's my favourite play.
Something I think would be interesting would be to try to apply sexual orientation protection laws to zoophilia, in areas that have them at least. Challenge an eviction or claim wrongful termination. Only problem is that if it succeeds, it could backfire and give ammo to those who oppose the laws already.
You know, all your examples involve applying accepted dogma variants of a mainstream religion (stuff like Jesus hanging out with thieves, beggars and whores, which are even in an Evangelium IIRC), which Epona worship kinda...isn't, plus IIRC the mare was sacrificed afterwards.
Well, my examples are just the ones that made the news. None have successfully pass any court challenge. I realize how hard a row it is to hoe when it comes to alternative religions in locations where these supposed religious freedom laws are in place. Saying that "you're not a real religion" is something the Christ cult loves to do so....
It also wouldn't work for an atheist lets say, because we all know atheists don't believe in anything and are immoral... (It is amazing to me that in the US if you are atheist there are many places you legally cannot hold office.)
What I have learned is that you fight we every law, or trick you can because you can be damned sure that they are. They made the law, see if you can use it... Of course, the usual law advice is meekly accept you are wrong and show repentance and hope for the best.
See, it's not about "real religion" (I'm atheist), it's about plausibilty of religious motivation.
Supporting beggars/thieves/whores is easily justified as "WWJD?", especially as him doing like that is literally canonical.
Reviving a millenium-dead cult including intercourse with mares... Nobody would even think there could be other reasons for that other than, you guessed it, intercourse with mares. Especially if you adjust dogma so the mare survives the rite every time.
Just because you are unaware of the cult of Epona, doesn't make it less real. I'm not sure how popularity should be a thing that makes a difference except in a practical sense. She has been a part of my faith for many many years. As far as ritual having to be written down in a bible, again that's a christian thing. I'm also not sure why a religion has to be old, or continuous for it to be someone's faith.
Also, religious rights change all the time. Are you really christian if you do the mass in anything but latin? See that was a question once.... a silly question of dogma but nevertheless....
In the end, what is religion but faith? I think you just judged a bunch of things not "real religion" when you used the word "canonical".
Of course, all of that is moot since the argument is about the possibility of throwing a law back in someone's face and possibly having a change at a get out of jail free card. I'm not really concerned with the legitimacy of someone's faith since you guys all have it wrong... <- that was a joke btw.
Somehow I feel like this should apply to me but I don't think my beliefs are affected the lack of freedom laws.