Source: Independent Online
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=vn20070729084819382C418408
A Witchcraft suppression bill, currently being drafted by the Mpumalanga legislature, has struck fear into the hearts of South Africa's witches, who fear the dark days of medieval witch-hunts may soon return.
The bill, leaked in June to the South African Pagan Rights Alliance (Sapara), threatens to undermine the freedoms and rights of a religious minority by criminalising and prohibiting their right to exist and practise their religion, says Sapra convener Damon Leff.
Full time Durbanville witch and high priestess Donna darkwolf Vos said news of the bill spread like wildfire through the witch community.
She said witches were determined to quash the bill but terrified of revealing themselves by signing a petition of opposition.
"Witches know they cannot let this bill be passed, but at the same time it means exposing ourselves, and most people are closet witches, they are still in the broom cupboard," she said.