What is Satanism and is it Illegal in New Zealand?
Satanism is a religion that, like many others, has no single definition, as its adherents hold a variety of beliefs and practices. Satanism is typically described as the worship of the devil or the celebration of evil, and has been the subject of much controversy over the years. It is often associated with dark and violent practices, although the actual beliefs and practices of Satanism vary greatly depending on the individual. In some cases, Satanism is seen as a form of humanism, in which people are encouraged to take responsibility for their own actions and pursue their own goals.
In New Zealand, Satanism is not considered to be illegal, although it may be subject to certain restrictions. For example, the New Zealand Charities Act and the Crimes Act both contain provisions against the promotion of offensive and subversive material and activities, and any activities linked to Satanism may fall under those laws. However, these laws do not specifically target Satanism itself, and in most cases it would be difficult to prove that someone’s activities were indeed Satanic.
Satanism is also not officially recognised as a religion in New Zealand, although some individuals may still practice it. The absence of official recognition does not make it illegal, however, and adherents of Satanism are free to practice their beliefs as they see fit.
There have been a few cases in New Zealand in which individuals have been charged with crimes related to Satanic rituals or activities. In these cases, the offenders were usually charged with offences such as criminal nuisance, desecration of graves or property, or breach of the peace. In most cases, however, the charges were not related to Satanism itself, but rather to the actions of the perpetrators.
In conclusion, Satanism is not illegal in New Zealand, although some activities associated with it may be subject to certain restrictions. It is important to remember, however, that each individual’s beliefs and practices are unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all definition of Satanism. As such, it is important to respect the beliefs and practices of those who practice Satanism, just as it is important to respect the beliefs and practices of other religions.