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PE01855: Pardon and memorialise those convicted under the Witchcraft Act 1563

Justice

Petitioner: Claire Mitchell QC

Status:
Open

Closing Date for Online Petition: 17 March 2021

Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to pardon, apologise and create a national monument to memorialise those people in Scotland accused and convicted as witches under the Witchcraft Act 1563.

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Comments (235)

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Between 1563 and 1736, the years when the Witchcraft Act 1563 was law, there were 4 periods of “satanic panic” which resulted in approximately 4000 people being accused as witches. Of those 4000, academics estimate that approximately 2500 were executed. 

To bring these people some justice and to memorialise their memory appropriately, we are calling for—

  • A pardon for those convicted,
  • An apology for all those accused and
  • A national monument

Do you agree?

To the women of history, who never backed down. My ancestors in spirit.

Heather Marì

4:24 on 12 Mar 2021

It's 2021

Brandy Valentine

19:59 on 11 Mar 2021

Many thanks petitioner.

Bryan Low

11:05 on 11 Mar 2021

Justice, acknowledgement and apology needed.

Lynda greer

8:48 on 11 Mar 2021

Let's get justice for these people who were mainly poor women, trying to make a living as healers

Angela Hill

21:49 on 10 Mar 2021

Poor, poor souls

Sylvia Fotheringham

20:55 on 10 Mar 2021

I agree

Coral Lopez

17:17 on 10 Mar 2021

I believe that the Church too should apologise. Many were hanged for heresy.

iris Longworth

16:31 on 10 Mar 2021

Robert Baillie principle of the University of Glasgow mentions in 1643 the regret of the multiplying of witches. above 30 being burnt in Fife, formed a committee to find a way to cure it. The regret was for the sin of witchcraft, not of the burning.

George Gordon

11:56 on 10 Mar 2021

I agree

Ann Marie Freel

11:03 on 10 Mar 2021

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