The Devil and the deep blue sea
No, I don't believe that Satanists are Pagans (I don't subscribe to putting religions based on Judeo-Christian theology (or reverse theology) in the same category as pagans. However, who the hell (pun intended) is this looney tune to decide whose religion is "real" and whose isn't?
United Kingdom: An Edinburgh-born sailor has been granted the same rights as any other religious sailor to practice his religion on board ship and Ann Widdicombe is upset because Ldg Hand Chris Cranmer is a Satanist. After years of trying to impose her religious beliefs on others when she was a government minister, she has now decided it's a private matter which should be kept in the home.
I am utterly shocked by this,Miss Widdecombe said.
Satanism is wrong. Obviously the private beliefs of individuals anywhere including the Armed Forces are their own affair but I hope it doesn't spread.
There should be no question whatsoever of allowing Satanist rituals on board any ship in Her Majesty's Royal Navy.
What they believe and do in their own home is one thing, what they do at work is the business of their employer.
The Navy should not permit Satanist practices on board its ships.
God himself gives free will, but I would like to think that if somebody applied to the Navy and said they were a Satanist today it would raise its eyebrows somewhat.
British law does not permit employers to discriminate against someone on grounds of religion.
Widdecombe horror at navy Satanist - The Guardian, 24th October 2004.