Should snake-handling be legal?

[Person Man]

Just make Christianity illegal.

Life's like a pint of vodka, right?

Anyways, let's keep it legal. I want to make fun of these people.

[JSojourner]

It may only be legal in West Virginia, but it is practiced in Pentecostal and Charismatic churches across the country.  Thankfully, this insanity is NOT typical of the modern Pentecostal movement.

There is a church -- "The Highway of Holiness Tabernacle" -- which meets not far from my neighborhood and they still practice snake handling.  Police, EMT's and animal control officers have been called there on a number of occasions.  They also drink poison, because the supposedly Biblical passage they adhere to, also (they opine) encourages that.

As to legality, I would make it a misdemeanor...unless children are exposed.  Then, it should be felony child endangerment.

[Eraserhead]

I was under the impression that part of the issue was abuse and neglect of the snakes in between rituals.

That would be my only real concern here.

[Lief 🗽]

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So, no, it should not be illegal. Regarding the child abuse issues, forcing a child to handle a deadly snake should be crime regardless of whether or not it's part of a religious ceremony.

[Matt Damon™]

Just make Christianity illegal.

Life's like a pint of vodka, right?

more like a pint of snake venom

[minionofmidas]

While I do not share their predilections, I applaud their fight for freedom.

Thanks dude.

It was actually a self-quote... the issue of snakehandling came up on the forum shortly after your original post, and I quoted you back then.

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Then again, at least they're never bitten and don't learn anything about Christianity in the process.

[War on Want]

I voted yes but meant no.

[CheeseWhiz]

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So, no, it should not be illegal. Regarding the child abuse issues, forcing a child to handle a deadly snake should be crime regardless of whether or not it's part of a religious ceremony.

That sounds right to me.  Also other issues regarding this, like abuse of the snake, I assume would be covered under other laws.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

Yes.  If you want to risk your life with that, go ahead.