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4 - "WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2000 Board's move on Potter books draw cheers, jeers From page 1 During public question period Monday night, some members of the audience voiced their concerns that the books teach children witchcraft and the Wiccan religion. Mary Ellen Johansen asked board chair Doug Ross: "Who will be responsi- ble for the far reaching effects if the spir- it of death is promoted in our schools?" Dianne Kelly, a parent, told the board she was pleased with the decision. Amid catcalls from those opposed to the-books, Ms Kelly said she was proud of the board's fast action. Come end experience casing gaming come to life ina whele new "I take my hat off to you," she said. * don't know how you can listen to this (catcalls for the books' removal) without laughing at these people or throwing things at them. There are important issues at this board; why are we even discussing this?" The motion was passed by a slim 7-4 margin after attempts by Pickering trustee Paul Crawford and Oshawa trustees Susan Shetler and Jane Weist to stall it. One group present asked no ques- tions, but attempted to allay fears about the Wiccan faith. Devin Gillette, a Wiccan priest prac- casino table games, situated in their ewr ticing in the Oshawa area, and several fellow Wiccans told an angry group of right-wing fundamentalists outside the hall after the vote that the Potter books do not reflect the tenets of their religion. Mr. Gillette said later that he felt he had to come to the meeting to defend his faith. "The devil and the worship of Satan are things belonging to the Christian faith. Wicca predates the Christian faith, and we are about healing," he said. "The way we are portrayed offends my sense of principals," Mr. Gillette said. "This is my faith and | cannot stand by while people attribute evil intention to it. J trustee Jane Weist, who hasti- ly withdrew a motion to ban the Harry Potter books entirely after news of the restrictions hit the media over a week ago, said she is still against the books for their content. "It may not require a complete ban like books such as Lord of the Flies," she said. "But my concerns are not less- ened." Board officials after the meeting assured media that Lord of the Flies is not banned in Durham schools, nor are any other books. a sensational place where the seunds end excitement of way. 400 exciting slot machines and 4¢ | separate envirenments. RY A50 Sio1s © Biackinck « Super 7's Buackinek © Routerte « Lev 17 Rine « Par Gow © Bic Six Weel Poker Pit inciuning Hoto'em, 7 Carp Stun ano OMAHA Pius. visit our Warer's Epc B.C i i RESTAURANT AND Lucky SToNE BAR.