LIVINGSTON, La. — The Livingston Parish council voted unanimously last week to ban fortunetelling.

The ordinance makes it illegal to predict the future for money, something Monte Plaisance of Walker said would outlaw everything from weather predictions to Christian religious prophecy.

Plaisance, who said he holds a state church charter for a religion based on ancient Greek beliefs, was among people allowed to comment after the vote.

Debra Jeffreys, a Wiccan from Kenner, said the ordinance violates the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and religion.

Councilman Danny Harrell, who wrote the ordinance, says it is based on state law and it does not violate the Constitution.

The ordinance cites a state law allowing parishes to regulate fortunetelling activities with penalties of up to a year in jail and $500 in fines.

The ordinance makes it illegal to engage in all forms of fortunetelling from crystal-ball gazing to card reading.

"I've seen studies that most of these — I'm not saying yours — but most are cons," Harrell said. "I think we need to do this to protect Livingston Parish."

Council President Buddy Mincey said he wants the council's attorney to review the ordinance. If it is illegal, the council would have to introduce a new ordinance to repeal the one passed on May 10.

Harrell and Councilmen Jimmy McCoy and Eddie Wagner said they had no plans to change their votes.

"I got elected to represent my constituents," McCoy said. "I am a Christian and I love the Lord, period. We can vote today or next month, my vote won't change."