Adopted by the Governing Council of the Pagan Assembly of Nova Scotia
Date of Adoption: [Insert Date]
INTRODUCTION
The Pagan Assembly of Nova Scotia (PANS) is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for spiritual practice, education, celebration, and community healing. This policy outlines our approach to preventing sexual abuse and exploitation within our organization and provides clear procedures for managing situations involving individuals who are convicted or registered sex offenders.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety and spiritual well-being of all members and guests participating in PANS events or activities. While we value inclusivity and hospitality as core virtues, these must always be balanced with the responsibility to protect our community—especially vulnerable populations such as children and survivors of abuse.
POLICY
Given that convicted and/or registered sex offenders may reside in any community, it is possible such individuals may wish to attend public PANS rituals or become involved in other events or activities. PANS acknowledges the importance of spiritual access, but the safety of the community must take precedence.
Therefore:
- Convicted and/or registered sex offenders must not hold leadership or teaching roles in PANS.
- Any individual with a relevant conviction or registration must follow the Limited Access Agreement process outlined in this policy before attending any in-person PANS activity.
- PANS leadership retains the right to limit or deny participation to any convicted or registered sex offender if there is evidence of significant risk to the community.
DEFINITIONS
- Convicted Sex Offender: An individual found guilty of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, incest, rape, or any crime of a sexual nature.
- Registered Sex Offender: An individual legally required to register with a sex offender registry due to a sexual offense conviction.
- Positions of Responsibility: Any elected, appointed, or volunteer roles in PANS where individuals are perceived as leaders or facilitators. This includes ritual leaders, teachers, mentors, event organizers, board members, or counselors.
PROCEDURES
- If a member of PANS leadership becomes aware that a convicted or registered sex offender seeks to participate in a PANS event or activity, they must notify the PANS Executive Council at info@paganassemblyns.ca.
- A designated representative will be assigned to conduct an interview with the individual, either in person or virtually.
- The individual must provide:
- Contact information
- The level and type of participation desired
- Signed permission to contact their parole officer, therapist, or probation officer (as applicable)
- The representative will:
- Explain the policy and procedures
- Discuss the potential limitations of participation
- Clarify that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, and relevant leaders will be informed on a need-to-know basis
- After collecting all necessary information and documentation, a Limited Access Agreement will be drafted in cooperation with the individual. This document will outline any restrictions on participation (e.g., no unsupervised contact with minors, restrictions on event types or spaces, etc.).
- The agreement will be reviewed and approved by the PANS Governing Council before the individual is permitted to attend any events.
REASONS FOR EXCLUSION
The following will result in denial of participation:
- Failure to self-report sex offender status before attending any PANS function
- Refusal to participate in the Limited Access Agreement process
- Refusal to sign the agreement or comply with its terms
- Denial of permission to contact treatment providers or legal supervisors
- Refusal to undergo a risk assessment by a qualified therapist (at the individual’s expense)
If the individual later chooses to comply, they may reapply through the process outlined above.
PANS is committed to transparency, accountability, and care for all its members. Questions or concerns about this policy can be directed to info@paganassemblyns.ca.