* When it Comes to Dead Birds, Separation of Church and State is Upheld

A Native American man was in court last week for possessing two deceased hawks that he found lying on roads in Watertown, Ohio. "White Buffalo," 61, wanted the feathers to make into fans that would help lift smoke and prayer during ceremonies, “We honor birds in their height — the altitude they can fly,” he said. “The closer to the creator they are, the stronger the prayer.”

Tribal ceremonies basis for defense: Watertown
man is charged after taking dead hawks

Marietta Times, OH
by Brad Bauer
February 23, 2007

It seems that "special permits are required to possess hawks and other protected animals, even if they are found dead. He [Ohio Department of Natural Resources Investigator Charlie Stone] said Coulter [White Buffalo] does not have the required permits, which are extended to individuals on a limited basis. Religious purposes are not among the criteria for issuing a permit."

Now all we have to do is convince the faith-based US federal government to do likewise on their decisions.

flickr photo