International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy
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The International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy is a law in the wizarding world that was first signed in 1689[1] then established officially in 1692.[2] The law was laid down by the International Confederation of Wizards to safeguard the wizarding community from Muggles, and hide their presence from the world at large.
The Statute was introduced because of the widespread persecution of wizarding children by Muggles, the escalating attempts by Muggles to force witches and wizards to perform magic for Muggle ends, the escalating attempts by Muggles to force witches and wizards to teach them magic, the increasing numbers of witch-burning, the increasing numbers of Muggles being burned in mistake for witches, and the failure of Ministry of Magic Delegation to Muggle King and Queen (William and Mary) begging for protection under Muggle law.
The Statute states that each individual Ministry of Magic is responsible for hiding the presence of the magical community in their own country. Each Ministry is held responsible for, among other things, the control of magical beasts, curbing public displays of underage magic, and ensuring that magical games and sports are played without fear of discovery.
Breaches of the Statute, such as using magic in front of Muggles for no good reason, are dealt with by the Ministry, with a variety of punishments available to be enforced upon the offender.
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[edit] Clause 73
In 1750, Clause 73 was added to the Statute. The Clause states:
- "Each wizarding governing body will be responsible for the concealment, care and control of all magical beasts, beings, and spirits dwelling within its territory's borders. Should any such creature cause harm to, or draw the notice of, the Muggle community, that nation's wizarding governing body will be subject to discipline by the International Confederation of Wizards."
- —Clause 73, International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy[src]
[edit] Breaches of Clause 73
Clause 73 has been breached repeatedly, with the countries of Scotland and Tibet among the worst offenders. Scotland is home to the world's largest kelpie, which is known to the Muggle world as the Loch Ness Monster, and is the subject of repeated sightings. In Tibet, the number of Yeti sightings has prompted the International Confederation of Wizards to station an International Task Force in the mountains on a permanent basis.
Other breaches of Clause 73 include the Ilfracombe Incident in 1932.
[edit] Behind the scenes
It is possible that the Statute has been overturned in recent years, due to the fact that Muggle author J.K. Rowling has written the introduction for Hermione's modern translation of The Tales of Beedle the Bard.
