York County lawsuit challenges Pennsylvania’s 165-year-old fortune-telling ban
HANOVER, Pa. —
A York County lawsuit is challenging a 165-year-old Pennsylvania law that bans fortune-telling for profit, with the case now moving forward in court.
Hanover business owner seeks to abolish law
Beck Ravenswood, owner of The Serpent’s Key in Hanover, is suing Hanover police and the borough to overturn the 165-year-old statute.
“The goal of the lawsuit that we filed against the Hanover borough and the police simply is to abolish the law,” said Ravenswood, owner of the Serpent’s Key.
Ravenswood said a visit from Hanover police in 2023 brought the obscure law to light, along with the realization that jail time and fines could be possible if the law is enforced.
“They continued citing the law to me and basically said that, if they got any reports that I was continuing to do tarot reading, they would be back to arrest me for up to a year in jail or charge me $2,500 per person. So, this is definitely something that could stop me in my tracks, much less my small business,” Ravenswood said.
Lawsuit moves into discovery
Ravenswood said the case is moving forward after the state’s appeal to dismiss it was denied. The next major step is discovery, which is due at the end of November.
“It would mean the ability to run my business without fear of going to jail over something that is over 150 years old,” Ravenswood said.
First Amendment questions at center of case
Ravenswood said the lawsuit is about more than one business and could affect others in spiritual or metaphysical communities.
“Our first hurdle is getting all of the discovery submitted as to why this law violates the First Amendment,” Ravenswood said. “It is a law that prohibits freedom of speech and freedom of religion.”