NORFOLK, Va. — A Norfolk law made in 1979 currently makes the practice of palm reading, clairvoyance, etc for compensation a misdemeanor. Norfolk leaders voted to repeal the law on Tuesday.
City Attorney Bernard Pishko filed an ordinance to Norfolk City Council calling for Section 29-65 to be repealed.
It was passed on Tuesday with only one council member, John Paige, saying no to the ordinance.
Council member Thomas Smigiel Jr. when voting said, "I've always wondered why we don't have palm reading... I'm sure someone out there predicted that this was going to pass so... aye."
The code reads "It shall be unlawful for a person to engage in the practice of palmistry, palm reading, phrenology or clairvoyance, for monetary or other compensation, in this city. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor."
In the 1980s, there was a strong reaction against the rising interest in the occult, including palm reading. Fear and suspicion, fueled by scary movies and media stories about witchcraft, often led to laws making palm reading illegal, as it was seen as a threat to society's morals.
