do teens(13-19) have religious freedom, even if thier parents oppose it?

Question

i am 15 and i am wiccan, and me parents hate it. they've burned my book and broken my wand... i'm ticked, but i feel like i need legal proof that i can practice my religion freely. oh, and the books were gifts from other people, and i bought the wand w/ the money my friend's dad gave me.

Answer 1

That's a good, but tough question. As a mom, I expect certain behaviors from my children. With that said, I support my children in EVERY area. I would have handled things differently than your parents.
Okay, you are not legally entitled to anything other than food, a roof over your head and to not be abused. I suppose as long as you live under your parents roof, in their house, living off their hard-earned income, then you should respect your parents feelings about your "religious choice". Albeit, they should respect you as well, but it don't always work that way. You, as the child must honor thy father and thy mother. Simple as that.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, while you are a minor and live under your parent's roof, you're subject to their orders and even their whims. I've run into this before when I've had minors ask me to teach them. Now I won't even teach minors with pagan parents who've asked me.

I think it's wrong that minors have little real right to privacy, but that's the way it is for right now. That doesn't mean you can't have your own beliefs. Just lay low with them and keep your privacy private. You only have 3 more years to go till you're 18, then you can go on to college or go to work and have your own place, and you can panel your walls with books if you want to. Till then, keep your studying under wraps.

There was a time when I would never have advocated a minor "going behind parent's backs" but as I've gotten older I've had less and less respect for people who love their fear so much that they try to crush their children's spirit of investigation and destroyed their belongings in order to cling to that fear.

Sorry, I'm ranting.

If you think your parents have any interest in learning the real facts, there is an excellent book:

When Someone You Love Is Wiccan: A Guide to Witchcraft and Paganism for Concerned Friends, Nervous Parents, and Curious Co-Workers by Carl McColman

You can get it just about anywhere.

Good luck, young friend, and Blessed Be.

Answer 3

18 and 19 year olds do.
13-17 are minors. If you want to be a wiccan, you will need to wait until you are an adult if your parents oppose it.

You might have grown out of your wiccan phase by that time and think it was silly. You can't really use a freedom of religion clause as a minor. You are not legally entitled to many freedoms until you are older and hopefully wiser.

If you are 18 and still want to be a wiccan then go for it.

Answer 4

I don't know about the legal ramifications, but if you are old enough to make most decisions (the courts would let you choose at this age which parent to live with if they were getting a divorce), then you should be able to choose your own religion. Perhaps your parents don't understand it enough and think that it is harmful....at many people do. Explain to them what a great, gentle and interesting religion it is, show them literature about it and really try to educate them. People usually fear what they don't know or understand. Good luck...I think your religion is fascinating even though I am of a different religion. :)

Answer 5

Unfortunately, the law says that, unless you are emancipated or your parents are stripped of their guardianship, until you are a legal adult you're are under your parent's control. This gives them the authority to stop your practices and to take away items in your possession.

The good news is, they can't control your actual beliefs. You don't need any tools or books to be a Wiccan. Explain that to them, and try to explain your beliefs in detail to them. Tell them that you are serious about your religion and answer any questions they may ask honestly.

Answer 6

not much you can do legally unfortunatly the system doesnt give us same "special treatment" it gives adults, however you do have the right to religious freedom, and to trial, but nobody ever takes us seriously and it is always said that the parents are just doing thier job, ya right

Answer 7

Nobody has religious freedom in this country except Christians.

Answer 8

You have the constitutional right to think and believe what you want, despite anybody else's opinion.

Answer 9

Honor your parents while you're under their roof. When you're on your on, and more grown up and hopefully alot wiser, then do your thing.

Answer 10

Once your confirmed (I'm catholic, it might be something else for other religions) you have complete freedom.