21st October 2009, 1030 AEDST

If convicted child sex offender and 'witch' Robin Fletcher is released back into the community, he will not be welcome among other witches and Pagans. That's according to the Pagan Awareness Network Incorporated (PAN), an association that represents followers of nature-based religions in Australia.

"Fletcher is regarded by the entire Pagan and witch community with revulsion," PAN President David Garland said today. "His claims that child sex is part of the Wiccan religion are false and contemptible – he has slandered our community in the worst possible way. Most people I talk to about this man would be happy if he simply died in prison."

Fletcher is currently subject to an extended supervision order that requires him to live under strict monitoring conditions just outside the walls of Ararat prison. He is appealing the court order.

"He will not be welcome anywhere within the Pagan community," Mr Garland said. "Many practitioners of witchcraft and other nature-based faiths are young people with families, and the idea of someone like Fletcher turning up to a picnic or other community event would be horrifying to them."

According to Census statistics, there are about 30,000 followers of Pagan or nature-based religions (including Wicca and witchcraft) in Australia. That's close to the combined total for all Sikhs, Taoists, Quakers, Baha'i and Jains.

Contact:

David Garland
PAN Inc President
0413 180 973
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Gavin Andrew
PAN Inc Media Officer
0402 587 219
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