Woman claims divine dope right
A MAPLETON woman who believes marijuana has been provided to mankind by God told a Maroochydore magistrate yesterday that her drug charges were illegal, unconstitutional and in conflict with the words of the Holy Bible.
Pieta Michelle Morgan, 37, defied Magistrate Bernadette Callaghan by refusing to stand up as she was spoken to, declaring to the court that she was not subject to the widely accepted legal system.
Ms Morgan was appearing on charges of drug possession and production, as well as possession of a used utensil or pipe.
"These charges are illegal. I will fight it all the way," she told Ms Callaghan.
"I have a constitutional right to have marijuana because it is a plant according to Genesis 1: 29."
The Bible verse which Ms Morgan referred to deals with the provision by God of all seed-bearing plants for food for mankind.
An emotional and outspoken Ms Morgan then went on to express her opposition to the Westminster system upon which Australia's governance is built.
"You understand, I am not under your system," she said.
"The Westminster system is not legal and I will not put myself under your system in any way."
Ms Callaghan remained calm throughout in what had already been an extremely hectic morning in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court.
Ms Callaghan said that while she respected Ms Morgan's beliefs, she was not about to stray from the requirements of the legal system.
She adjourned the matter to August 24.
"If you don't turn up, a warrant will be issued," she told Ms Morgan.
Outside court, Ms Morgan reflected on the legal system and government generally.
"It's entrapping everyone. It's creating problems of poverty, slavery and debt, corruption at the highest level," she said.
She later telephoned The Daily to further clarify her views.
"I'm not under the authority of the court. I am under no one's authority but my own," she said.
"The Westminster system is based on the Bible, yet somehow they've managed to take the Bible out of it altogether when making their laws.
"Police are there to protect and serve; they're not there to tell you what to think, what to do, what to wear. They have no right to target you unless you're hurting another human being.
"I'm not playing their game."
When asked if she would in fact appear at her next hearing date, she confirmed that she would because she had "made a personal promise" to a clerk of the court.
"When I make an agreement I stick to it," Ms Morgan said.
