Romania May Fine Witches for Faulty Predictions

Romania's witches better make sure they own top-of-the-line crystal balls: The country is considering a new law that would require witches to get a permit—and make it possible to fine or even imprison one whose prediction turns out to be false. Witches, predictably, are none too pleased. "What about when the client gives false details about themselves? We can't be blamed for that," said one.

Superstition is serious business in Romania, notes the AP, which has led officials in the recession-hit country to look toward ways to squeeze the group. The Senate passed the draft bill—which also requires witches to give their customers receipts, and bars them from doing their thing near schools and churches—last week but it still must be approved by a financial and labor committee and Romania's Chamber of Deputies. The proposal comes on the heels of Romania's move last month to recognize witches as a taxable profession.
(More Romania stories.)