I’m terrified and outraged at the same time. Seems like those pesky activist judges are at it again. Oh, but you won’t hear about these guys from the right wing media and pundits. Nope, this time they’re busy crushing civil rights, and that’s OK with the right wing.
The first story I read was about a judge in Minnesota who has decided that possesion of encryption software is a sign of criminal intent. The particular case isn’t a pretty one and the accused sounds like the worst kind of person. However, none of this is because he had PGP installed on his computer. Thanks to Schneier on Security this one.
Oh, but that’s not all. It seems that a judge in Indiana has decided that some religions are better than others. In a divorce case where both parents are practicers of Wicca the judge has ruled that they may not teach their nine year old son about their religion. Specifically the judge has ruled that the parents may not expose their son to “non-mainstream religious beliefs and rituals.” And there’s no definition of “non-mainstream religious beliefs and rituals” in the divorce decree. Thanks to Synaptic Junction Daily for this one.
Campers, this is some really scary shit!
It is interesting how the Christian extremists are quick to use the “activist” label only when the judge disagrees with their precious superstitions. Great post.
Comment by vjack — May 26, 2005 @ 12:00 pm
When privacy is a crime
You may not have noticed, but courts now regard the presence of encryption software on your computer as evidence of a crime.
The reaction of noted security expert Bruce Schneier:
“I am speechless.”
Well, I’m not. This ruling is bullshit.
…
Trackback by BradSpangler.com — May 26, 2005 @ 4:49 pm
Son of Atheist Faces Discriminatory Hiring…
Although there is supposedly a war going on in America against “people of faith” (i.e., morons) this story makes it sound like atheists (and their relatives) may be discriminated against on the basis of their lack of belief…
Trackback by Atheist Revolution — May 27, 2005 @ 8:40 am