Sci-Fi News and Reviews

"Harry Potter" Wins Court Case

Last week, a Georgia (Gwinnett County) judge ruled that the "Harry Potter" books can stay in school libraries. This story affects my current hometown, so I'm obligated to to post something about it.

If you remember, this case originated when a local Georgia woman, Laura Mallory, brought a case to remove the "Harry Potter" books from local libraries. The grounds? She alleged that the books are an attempt to indoctrinate children in the ways of witchcraft.

Mallory's case was defeated by the local school board, so she naturally appealed the case to the courts. According to the article, her argument was that "...witchcraft is a religion practiced by some people and, therefore, the books should be banned because reading them in school violates the constitutional separation of church and state."

I can now report that she has lost the appeal. Of course, she will likely take the case to federal court.

I don't think she should. Not for the typical reasons, such as the "Harry Potter" books have hooked millions of kids on reading, or that she's a nutcase. No - I think she shouldn't appeal because her argument is flat-out flawed.

Here is a statement from Mallory:

"I have a dream that God will be welcomed back in our schools again"

Hmmm...to me, it appears that Mallory wants to use a 'separation of Church and State' argument when it applies to a religious belief that she does not hold, but feels that is it OK to push her beliefs within the school system. That's the flaw - and it will never fly.

"Harry" is safe for the foreseeable future.

---

Posted by Fred on June 4, 2007 1:11 PM
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