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[[File:International Statute of Secrecy HM Icon.png|thumb|The document of this declaration]]
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{{FBCasesSpoiler}}
  
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The '''International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy''' (also referred to as the '''International Code of Wizarding Secrecy'''<ref name="GOF26">{{GOF|B|26}}</ref> and commonly shortened to '''International Statute of Secrecy''')<ref name="DH16">{{DH|B|16}}</ref> was a law in the [[wizarding world]] that was first signed in [[1689]],<ref name="DH16"/> then established officially in [[1692]].<ref name="QA5">{{QTA|R|5}}</ref> The law was laid down by the [[International Confederation of Wizards]] to safeguard the wizarding community from [[Non-magic people|Muggles]] and hide its presence from the world at large.
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{{Pottermore}}
  
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The '''International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy''' (sometimes referred to as the '''International Code of Wizarding Secrecy''' or the '''International Statute of Secrecy'''<ref name="DH16">{{DH|B|16}}</ref>) is a law in the [[wizarding world]] that was first signed in [[1689]],<ref name="DH16"/> then established officially in [[1692]].<ref name="QA5">{{QTA|R|5}}</ref> The law was laid down by the [[International Confederation of Wizards]] to safeguard the wizarding community from [[Muggle]]s and hide its presence from the world at large.
  
   
 
==History==
  
==History==
 
===Background===
  
===Background===
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{{Quote|As the witch-hunts grew ever fiercer, wizarding families began to live double lives, using charms of concealment to protect themselves and their families. By the seventeenth century, any witch or wizard who chose to fraternise with Muggles became suspect, even an outcast in his or her own community.|[[Albus Dumbledore]]'s notes on ''[[The Wizard and the Hopping Pot]]''|The Tales of Beedle the Bard (real)}}
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{{Quote|As the witch-hunts grew ever fiercer, wizarding families began to live double lives, using charms of concealment to protect themselves and their families. By the seventeenth century, any witch or wizard who chose to fraternise with Muggles became suspect, even an outcast in his or her own community.|[[Albus Dumbledore]]'s notes in ''[[The Wizard and the Hopping Pot]]''|The Tales of Beedle the Bard (real)}}[[File:Wendelin_the_Weird.JPG|198x198px|thumb|Witch-burnings and wizard persecution by [[Non-magic people|Muggle]]s in general, were a contributing factor in the introduction of the Statute]]
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By the [[17th century|seventeenth century]], [[wizardkind|wizard]]-[[Non-magic people|Muggle]] relations were at their worst. Ever since the early [[15th century|fifteenth century]], the persecution of witches and wizards gathered pace all over [[Europe]], making many in the wizarding community feel, and justifiably so, that offering to aid their [[Non-magic people|Muggle]] neighbours with their magic was tantamount to volunteering to fetch the firewood for one's own funeral pyre: many witches and wizards were locked up and sentenced to death on the charge of witchcraft.
   
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While some (such as [[Lisette de Lapin]] in [[1422]]) managed to use magic to escape, others like [[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington]] in [[1492]] were not as lucky and were immediately stripped of their wands. Wizarding families were particularly prone to losing younger family members, whose inability to control their own magic made them noticeable, and vulnerable, to Muggle witch-hunters.<ref name="TBB">{{TBB|R}} - ''Albus Dumbledore on "''The Wizard and the Hopping Pot''"''</ref>
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[[File:Wendelin_the_Weird.JPG|thumb|250px|right|[[Wendelin the Weird]] is burnt at the stake. Witch-burnings, and wizard persecution by [[Muggle]]s in general, were a contributing factor in the introduction of the Statute]]
  
⚫
By the [[17th century|seventeenth century]], wizard-[[Muggle]] relations were at their worst. Ever since the early [[15th century|fifteenth century]], the persecution of witches and wizards gathered pace all over [[Europe]], making many in the wizarding community feel, and justifiably so, that offering to aid their [[Muggle]] neighbours with their magic was tantamount to volunteering to fetch the firewood for one's own funeral pyre: many witches and wizards were locked up and sentenced to death on the charge of witchcraft, and while some (such as [[Lisette de Lapin]] in [[1422]]) managed to use magic to escape, others like [[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington]] in [[1492]] were not as lucky and were immediately stripped of their wands. Wizarding families were particularly prone to losing younger family members, whose inability to control their own magic made them noticeable, and vulnerable, to Muggle witch-hunters.<ref name="TBB">{{TBB|R}} - ''Albus Dumbledore on "''The Wizard and the Hopping Pot''"</ref>
  
   
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Widespread persecution of wizarding children by Muggles, escalating attempts by Muggles to force witches and wizards to perform magic for Muggle ends and teach them magic, increasing numbers of witch-burnings, including those of Muggles mistakenly burned as witches were the catalysts for some kind of measure to be taken.<ref name="WOMBAT">First question of the Third [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test|W.O.M.B.A.T.]] at {{JKRS}}.</ref>
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Widespread persecution of wizarding children by Muggles, escalating attempts by Muggles to force witches and wizards to perform magic for Muggle ends and teach them magic, increasing numbers of witch-burnings, including those of Muggles mistakenly burned as witches, were the catalysts for some kind of measure to be taken.<ref name="WOMBAT">First question of the Third [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test|W.O.M.B.A.T.]] at {{JKRS}}.</ref>
   
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In the [[Great Britain]], the newly-created [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] attempted to liaise with the Muggle British Monarch (then jointly [[William III]] and [[Mary II]]) via a special Ministry Delegation, begging them for the protection of wizards under Muggle law.<ref name="WOMBAT"/> The failure of this attempt at official recognition and protection seems to have been the final straw that forced [[wizardkind]] to voluntarily move in the opposite direction toward secrecy.
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In [[Great Britain]], the newly-created [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] attempted to liaise with the Muggle British Monarch (then jointly [[William III]] and [[Mary II]]) via a special Ministry Delegation, begging them for the protection of wizards under Muggle law.<ref name="WOMBAT"/> The failure of this attempt at official recognition and protection seems to have been the final straw that forced [[wizardkind]] to voluntarily move in the opposite direction toward secrecy.
   
 
===Enactment===
  
===Enactment===
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{{Quote|Upon the signature of the International Statute of Secrecy in 1689, wizards went into hiding for good. It was natural, perhaps, that they formed their own small communities within a community. Many small villages and hamlets attracted several magical families, who banded together for mutual support and protection.|[[Bathilda Bagshot]], ''[[A History of Magic]]''|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
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{{Quote|Upon the signature of the International Statute of Secrecy in 1689, wizards went into hiding for good. It was natural, perhaps, that they formed their own small communities within a community. Many small villages and hamlets attracted several magical families, who banded together for mutual support and protection.|[[Bathilda Bagshot]], ''[[A History of Magic]]''|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}After heated discussions in the [[Wizengamot]] (during which [[Ralston Potter]] came out as a great champion of the Statute of Secrecy, as opposed to more "militant members" who voiced their desire to declare war on the [[Non-magic people|Muggles]]),<ref name="PotterFamilyPottermore">{{WW|the-potter-family}}</ref> the Statute was first signed in [[1689]],<ref name="DH16"/> but it was only three years later, in [[1692]],<ref name="QA5"/> that it was officially established and effectively started to be enforced by every [[:Category:Magical governments|Ministry of Magic]].
   
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The [[Malfoy family|Malfoys]] were a wealthy and influential wizarding family who, notably, fervently opposed the imposition of the Statute. Despite their espousal of [[Pure-blood supremacy|pure-blood values]] and their strong belief in wizards' superiority over [[Non-magic people|Muggles]], the Malfoys had always drawn a sharp distinction between poor Muggles and those with wealth and authority; they had historically been associated with high-born Muggle circles, such as royalty ([[William I|William the Conqueror]] and [[Elizabeth I|Queen Elizabeth I]] being notable examples) and aristocracy, which, in part, resulted in their vast collection of Muggle treasures and works of art. Their strong opposition of the Statute was, in short, due to the fact that the law would force them to withdraw from this enjoyable sphere of social life.<ref name="PottermoreMalfoys">{{WW|the-malfoy-family}}</ref>
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After heated discussions in the [[Wizengamot]] (during which [[Ralston Potter]] came out as a great champion of the Statute of Secrecy, as opposed to more "militant members" who voiced their desire to declare war on the [[Muggle]]s),<ref name="PotterFamilyPottermore">{{PM|the-potter-family}}</ref> the Statute was first signed in [[1689]]<ref name="DH16"/> but it was only three years later, in [[1692]]<ref name="QA5"/> that it was officially established and effectively started to be enforced by every [[:Category:Magical governments|Ministry of Magic]].
  
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⚫
The [[Malfoy family|Malfoys]] were a wealthy and influential wizarding family who, notably, fervently opposed the imposition of the Statute. Despite their espousal of [[Pure-blood supremacy|pure-blood values]] and their strong belief in wizards' superiority over [[Muggle]]s, the Malfoys had always drawn a sharp distinction between poor Muggles and those with wealth and authority; they had historically been associated with high-born Muggle circles, such as royalty ([[William I|William the Conqueror]] and [[Elizabeth I|Queen Elizabeth I]] being notable examples) and aristocracy, which, in part, resulted in their vast collection of Muggle treasures and works of art. Their strong opposition of the Statute was, in short, due to the fact that the law would force them to withdraw from this enjoyable sphere of social life.<ref name="PottermoreMalfoys">{{PM|the-malfoy-family}}</ref>
  
   
 
Once the Statute was passed into law in [[1692]], however, the Malfoys cut off all ties with Muggle families, as they realised that further opposition would distance them from the new heart of power: the newly created [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]]. They performed an abrupt volte-face, and became vocally supportive of the Statute, hotly denying that they had ever fraternised with such people, in spite of the ample evidence to the contrary that wizarding historians assert.<ref name="PottermoreMalfoys"/>
  
Once the Statute was passed into law in [[1692]], however, the Malfoys cut off all ties with Muggle families, as they realised that further opposition would distance them from the new heart of power: the newly created [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]]. They performed an abrupt volte-face, and became vocally supportive of the Statute, hotly denying that they had ever fraternised with such people, in spite of the ample evidence to the contrary that wizarding historians assert.<ref name="PottermoreMalfoys"/>
   
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Now that [[Muggle]] and [[Wizardkind|wizarding]] societies were alienated, it seemed only natural for wizards to come together and create, as [[Bathilda Bagshot|Professor Bathilda Bagshot]] put it on her ''[[A History of Magic]]'', "''their own small communities within a community''". Several magical families were attracted to small villages and hamlets, where they could start their own communities, in mutual support and protection, alongside more tolerant and sometimes [[Confundus Charm|Confunded]] [[Muggle]]s. The villages of [[Tinworth]] in [[Cornwall]], [[Upper Flagley]] in [[Yorkshire]], [[Ottery St Catchpole]] in [[Devon]], and [[Godric's Hollow]] in the [[West Country]] are a few of the most celebrated of these half-magical dwelling places whose magical communities date back to then.<ref name="DH16">{{DH|B|16}}</ref>
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Now that [[Non-magic people|Muggle]] and [[Wizardkind|wizarding]] societies were alienated, it seemed only natural for wizards to come together and create, as [[Bathilda Bagshot|Professor Bathilda Bagshot]] put it on her ''[[A History of Magic]]'', "''their own small communities within a community''". Several magical families were attracted to small villages and hamlets, where they could start their own communities, for mutual support and protection, alongside more tolerant and sometimes [[Confundus Charm|Confunded]] [[Non-magic people|Muggles]]. Some of the most celebrated of these half-magical [[wizard villages]] of [[Tinworth]] in [[Cornwall]], [[Upper Flagley]] in [[Yorkshire]], [[Ottery St Catchpole]] in [[Devon]], and [[Godric's Hollow]] in the [[West Country]] date back to then.<ref name="DH16">{{DH|B|16}}</ref>
   
 
==Contents==
  
==Contents==
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The Statute states that each individual [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry]] or [[Council of Magic|Council]] 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 risk of discovery.
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The Statute stated that each individual [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry]] or [[Council of Magic|Council]] was responsible for hiding the presence of the magical community in their own country. Each Ministry was held responsible for, among other things, the control of magical beasts, curbing public displays of underage magic, and ensuring that magical games and sports were played without risk of discovery.
   
 
===Clause 73===
  
===Clause 73===
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In [[1750]], Clause 73 was added to the Statute. The Clause states:
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In [[1750]], Clause 73 was added to the Statute. The Clause stated:
  +
 
{{Quote|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|Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (real)}}
  
{{Quote|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|Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (real)}}
   
 
===Dress guidelines===
  
===Dress guidelines===
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The Statute also includes dress guidelines for [[wizardkind|witches and wizards]] when among Muggles.The Statute states:
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The Statute also included dress guidelines for [[wizardkind|witches and wizards]] when among Muggles. The Statute stated:
  +
 
{{Quote|When mingling with Muggles, wizards and witches will adopt an entirely Muggle standard of dress, which will conform as closely as possible to the fashion of the day. Clothing must be appropriate to the climate, the geographical region and the occasion. Nothing self-altering or adjusting is to be worn in front of Muggles.|International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy|Pottermore}}
  
{{Quote|When mingling with Muggles, wizards and witches will adopt an entirely Muggle standard of dress, which will conform as closely as possible to the fashion of the day. Clothing must be appropriate to the climate, the geographical region and the occasion. Nothing self-altering or adjusting is to be worn in front of Muggles.|International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy|Pottermore}}
   
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In spite of these clear instructions, clothing misdemeanours have been one of the most common infractions of the International Statute of Secrecy since its inception.<ref name="PottermoreClothing">{{PM|clothing}}</ref>
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In spite of these clear instructions, clothing misdemeanours were one of the most common infractions of the International Statute of Secrecy since its inception.<ref name="PottermoreClothing">{{WW|clothing}}</ref>
   
 
===Sports rules===
  
===Sports rules===
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The Statute includes sports guidelines when among Muggles. Wizards and witches are strictly forbidden from taking part in Muggle sports, yet they are allowed to support a Muggle side.<ref name="PMscottishrugby">{{PM|scottish-rugby}}</ref>
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The Statute included sports guidelines when among Muggles. Wizards and witches were strictly forbidden from taking part in Muggle sports, yet they were allowed to support a Muggle side.<ref name="PMscottishrugby">{{WW|scottish-rugby}}</ref>
   
 
==Breaches==
  
==Breaches==
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Breaches of the Statute, such as using magic in front of [[Muggle]]s for no good reason, are dealt with by the relevant Ministry, with a variety of punishments available to be enforced upon the offender.
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Breaches of the Statute, such as using magic in front of [[Non-magic people|Muggles]] for no good reason, were dealt with by the relevant Ministry, with a variety of punishments available to be enforced upon the offender.
   
 
===Breaches of Clause 73===
  
===Breaches of Clause 73===
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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.
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Clause 73 was breached repeatedly, with the countries of [[Scotland]] and [[Tibet]] among the worst offenders. Scotland was home to the world's largest [[kelpie]], which was known to the [[Non-magic people|Muggle]] world as the [[Loch Ness Monster]], and was the subject of repeated sightings. In Tibet, the number of [[Yeti]] sightings prompted the [[International Confederation of Wizards]] to station an [[International Task Force]] in the mountains on a permanent basis.<ref name="FBR"/>
   
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Other breaches of Clause 73 include the [[Ilfracombe Incident]] in [[1932]].
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Other breaches of Clause 73 included the [[Ilfracombe Incident]] in [[1932]].<ref name="FBR">{{FB|R}}</ref>
   
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Originally, [[Isobel Ross|Isobel McGonagall]] followed the Statute by concealing her magical heritage from her Muggle husband, [[Robert McGonagall Senior|Robert McGonagall Snr]]. However, when their first daughter [[Minerva McGonagall|Minerva]] was exhibiting magical powers, Isobel was forced to break the Statute and reveal to her husband the existence of the wizarding world. This shows that wizards and witches with Muggle spouses may reveal the magical world under such circumstances. It was for this reason that Minerva refused to marry [[Dougal McGregor]], fearing to bring up her magical heritage.
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Originally, [[Isobel Ross|Isobel McGonagall]] followed the Statute by concealing her magical heritage from her Muggle husband, [[Robert McGonagall Senior|Robert McGonagall Snr]]. However, when their first daughter [[Minerva McGonagall|Minerva]] began exhibiting magical powers, Isobel was forced to break the Statute and reveal to her husband the existence of the wizarding world. This shows that wizards and witches with Muggle spouses could reveal the magical world under such circumstances. It was for this reason that Minerva refused to marry [[Dougal McGregor]], fearing to bring up her magical heritage.<ref name="McGonagall">{{WW|professor-mcgonagall}}</ref>
   
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When the [[Minister for Magic]] introduces him- or herself to the [[Prime Minister (title)|Prime Minister]], they can use magic as proof of existence of magic, as [[Cornelius Fudge]] performed a [[Teacup to gerbil|transfiguration spell]] in front of the new [[Prime Minister]] as an introduction. It is expected that the Muggle Prime Minister will not tell anyone of this, seeing that probably nobody would believe it anyway, and this breach would not be considered against the law.
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When the [[Minister for Magic]] introduced him- or herself to the [[Prime Minister|Muggle Prime Minister]], they could use magic as proof of existence of magic, as [[Cornelius Fudge]] performed a [[Teacup to gerbil|transfiguration spell]] in front of the new Prime Minister as an introduction. It was expected that the Muggle Prime Minister would not tell anyone of this, seeing that probably nobody would believe it anyway, and this breach would not be considered against the law.<ref name="HBP1">{{HBP|B|1}}</ref>
   
 
===Breaches of the sports rules===
  
===Breaches of the sports rules===
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The rumoured true goal of the [[Wizarding Supporters of Scottish Rugby Union]] was to secretly install a gifted [[Squib]] on every Scottish [[Rugby Union|rugby]] team, thus infringing the express prohibition on wizarding interference in Muggle sports set in the Statute of Secrecy. [[Jim Hamilton]] and [[Kelly Brown]] are two such suspected [[Squib]]s.
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The rumoured true goal of the [[Wizarding Supporters of Scottish Rugby Union]] was to secretly install a gifted [[Squib]] on every Scottish [[Rugby Union|rugby]] team, thus infringing the express prohibition on wizarding interference in Muggle sports set in the Statute of Secrecy. [[Jim Hamilton]] and [[Kelly Brown]] were two such suspected [[Squib]]s.
   
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It is known that [[Stuart Hogg]] is a [[wizardkind|wizard]],<ref name="wizard">[https://twitter.com/jk_rowling J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling)] on Twitter: [https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/711242899279781888 "That thing where I said Stuart Hogg might be a Squib? He's a wizard."]</ref> something which, even though [[Muggle]]s remain unaware of it, contravenes the Statute of Secrecy.
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It was known that [[Stuart Hogg]] was a [[wizardkind|wizard]],<ref name="wizard">[https://twitter.com/jk_rowling J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling)] on Twitter: [https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/711242899279781888 "That thing where I said Stuart Hogg might be a Squib? He's a wizard."]</ref> something which, even though [[Non-magic people|Muggles]] remain unaware of it, contravened the Statute of Secrecy.
   
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===Other Breaches===
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===Other breaches===
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[[:en:Dorcus_Twelvetrees|Dorcus Twelvetrees]] enamoured with a [[:en:Muggle|No-Maj]] called [[:en:Bartholomew_Barebone|Bartholomew Barebone]] performed tricks for him. As a [[:en:Scourers|Scourer]] descendant, Bartholomew stole her wand and presented it along with other shared secrets to the press gathering others to reveal the whole wizarding world in America. It was by a misfortune on Bartholomew's part to have killed fellow No-Majs suspected of being wizards, he was arrested and imprisoned saving the [[:en:Magical_Congress_of_the_United_States_of_America|Magical Congress of the United States of America]]  (MACUSA) from having to get involved.<ref>[https://www.pottermore.com/collection-episodic/history-of-magic-in-north-america-en History of Magic in North America]
  
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In 1790, a North American witch named [[Dorcus Twelvetrees]] made a serious breach when she confided secret information to a [[No-Maj]] [[Scourers|Scourer]] descendant named [[Bartholomew Barebone]]. She told him not only about the existence of [[Magical Congress of the United States of America|MACUSA]] and the [[International Confederation of Wizards]], but also the location of [[Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Ilvermorny School]]. Barebone stole her wand and showed it off to the press, and called for No-Maj persecution of magical folk. Due to his actions, President [[Emily Rappaport]] of MACUSA instated "[[Rappaport's Law]]" which completely segregated witches and wizards from the No-Majs, and remained the law of the land until repealed in 1965.<ref>[https://www.pottermore.com/collection-episodic/history-of-magic-in-north-america-en History of Magic in North America]
 
</ref>
  
</ref>
   
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When [[Newton Scamander|Newt Scamander]] visited New York City in 1926 and allowed some of his magical beasts to escape, it was considered a serious breach of the Statute. In addition, he allowed a No-Maj, [[Jacob Kowalski]], to view the creatures and even go inside his magic case.<ref name="FBS">{{FB|S}}</ref>
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In [[1926]], [[Newton Scamander]] was wanted by the [[Magical Congress of the United States of America]] for a grade one infraction of the International Statute of Secrecy.<ref>{{see image|File:Newt Scamander - Wanted poster.png}}</ref>
  
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Newt and [[Porpentina Goldstein|Tina Goldstein]] were falsely accused of breaking the Statute of Secrecy by conspiring to unleash a dangerous Obscurus from the suitcase, but they escaped execution in the [[Death Cell]] at MACUSA. In reality, there was another [[Obscurial]] ([[Credence Barebone]]) already in New York who was killing No-Majs and destroying buildings.<ref name="FBS"/>
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  +
[[Gellert Grindelwald]] [[Human Transfiguration|disguised himself]] as [[Percival Graves]] in order to track down the Obscurial who was wreaking havoc on New York in 1926. He wanted to break both the Statute of Secrecy and Rappaport's Law to show the superior power of wizards over the No-Majs.<ref name="FBS"/>
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On [[31 October]] [[1981]], [[Tom Riddle]] appeared in [[Godric's Hollow]] without disguising himself as a Muggle on his way to kill [[James and Lily Potter]] and their son [[Harry Potter]] (although the attempt on the latter's life was ultimately unsuccessful.) However, it is unclear if this is a true breach, as the Muggles who saw him mistook his wizarding robes for a [[Hallowe'en]] costume.<ref name="DH16" />
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  +
In 1994, both Durmstrang, with their underwater-travelling Ship, and Beauxbatons, with their Abraxan-pulled carriage, broke the law when travelling to Hogwarts for the [[Triwizard Tournament]]<ref>Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test: Question 11, Grade 1</ref>
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On [[14 December]] [[2018]], a [[Non-magic people|Muggle]] [[speed camera]] captured blurry footage of several out-of-control riderless [[Nimbus 2000]] [[broomstick]]s speeding on a motorway in [[Sydney]], [[Australia]]. The [[Statute of Secrecy Task Force]] was deployed to track the rogue brooms before they were noticed by Muggle authorities.<ref name-"WU Broomstick">{{WU}}: [https://www.harrypotterwizardsunite.com/post/riderlessnimbus/ Wizarding News: "Riderless Nimbus 2000 Out of Control"]</ref>
   
 
==Criticism==
  
==Criticism==
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During the 20th century, [[Carlotta Pinkstone]] famously campaigned for the repeal of the Statute and letting Muggles know about the existence of magic. She was imprisoned several times for breaching the Statute in front of Muggles.
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During the 20th century, [[Carlotta Pinkstone]] famously campaigned for the repeal of the Statute and letting Muggles know about the existence of magic. She was imprisoned several times for breaching the Statute in front of Muggles.<ref name="JKRS">{{JKRS}}</ref> In 1926, [[Gellert Grindelwald]] criticised the Statute of Secrecy, claiming it was meant to protect Muggles instead of wizardkind.<ref name="FBS"/>
   
 
==Behind the scenes==
  
==Behind the scenes==
 
*Although it is not stated, the year the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy was established is the same year as the occurrence of the Salem Witch Trials in which numerous people were accused of witchcraft, with nineteen hanged, which could serve as a canon staple to make the Statute validated.
  
*Although it is not stated, the year the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy was established is the same year as the occurrence of the Salem Witch Trials in which numerous people were accused of witchcraft, with nineteen hanged, which could serve as a canon staple to make the Statute validated.
  +
*Also not stated, but the year the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy was established is the same year as the signing of the Bill of Rights in England, a civil document, that established the basic rights of citizens and men in the United Kingdom. Both documents defined the lives of the local populace - the Bill of Rights enabled the Rule of Law, which defined the lives for Muggles in the United Kingdom, the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, however, defined the lives of the whole of the Wizarding world.
 
*On Question 11 of the Grade 1 [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test]], this law is misspelled as "International ''Statue'' of Secrecy".
  
*On Question 11 of the Grade 1 [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test]], this law is misspelled as "International ''Statue'' of Secrecy".
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*{{FB|R}}, {{QTA|R}} and {{TBB|R}} would appear to be breaches as they are said in-universe to be released to the Muggle world.
  
   
 
==Appearances==
  
==Appearances==
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*{{COS}} {{Mention}}
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*{{PS}} {{Indirect}}
  ⚫
*{{PS|G}} {{FWC mention}}
  ⚫
*{{COS}} {{1st Mention}}
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*{{COS|F}} {{Mention}}
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*{{COS|G}} {{FWC mention}}
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*{{POA|G}} {{FWC mention}}
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*{{GOF}} {{Mention}}
 
*{{OOTP}} {{Mention}}
  
*{{OOTP}} {{Mention}}
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*{{OOTP|F}} {{Mention}}
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*{{OOTP|G}} {{Mention}}
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==Notes and references==
  
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Revision as of 14:44, 9 May 2021

Hand pointing right transparent Warning!

At least some content in this article is derived from information featured in: Harry Potter: Wizards Unite & Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery & Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells.
As such, spoilers will be present within the article.

International Statute of Secrecy HM Icon

The document of this declaration

The International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy (also referred to as the International Code of Wizarding Secrecy[1] and commonly shortened to International Statute of Secrecy)[2] was a law in the wizarding world that was first signed in 1689,[2] then established officially in 1692.[3] The law was laid down by the International Confederation of Wizards to safeguard the wizarding community from Muggles and hide its presence from the world at large.

History

Background

"As the witch-hunts grew ever fiercer, wizarding families began to live double lives, using charms of concealment to protect themselves and their families. By the seventeenth century, any witch or wizard who chose to fraternise with Muggles became suspect, even an outcast in his or her own community."
— Albus Dumbledore's notes in The Wizard and the Hopping Pot[src]
Wendelin the Weird

Witch-burnings and wizard persecution by Muggles in general, were a contributing factor in the introduction of the Statute

By the seventeenth century, wizard-Muggle relations were at their worst. Ever since the early fifteenth century, the persecution of witches and wizards gathered pace all over Europe, making many in the wizarding community feel, and justifiably so, that offering to aid their Muggle neighbours with their magic was tantamount to volunteering to fetch the firewood for one's own funeral pyre: many witches and wizards were locked up and sentenced to death on the charge of witchcraft.

While some (such as Lisette de Lapin in 1422) managed to use magic to escape, others like Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington in 1492 were not as lucky and were immediately stripped of their wands. Wizarding families were particularly prone to losing younger family members, whose inability to control their own magic made them noticeable, and vulnerable, to Muggle witch-hunters.[4]

Widespread persecution of wizarding children by Muggles, escalating attempts by Muggles to force witches and wizards to perform magic for Muggle ends and teach them magic, increasing numbers of witch-burnings, including those of Muggles mistakenly burned as witches, were the catalysts for some kind of measure to be taken.[5]

In Great Britain, the newly-created Ministry of Magic attempted to liaise with the Muggle British Monarch (then jointly William III and Mary II) via a special Ministry Delegation, begging them for the protection of wizards under Muggle law.[5] The failure of this attempt at official recognition and protection seems to have been the final straw that forced wizardkind to voluntarily move in the opposite direction toward secrecy.

Enactment

"Upon the signature of the International Statute of Secrecy in 1689, wizards went into hiding for good. It was natural, perhaps, that they formed their own small communities within a community. Many small villages and hamlets attracted several magical families, who banded together for mutual support and protection."
— Bathilda Bagshot, A History of Magic[src]

After heated discussions in the Wizengamot (during which Ralston Potter came out as a great champion of the Statute of Secrecy, as opposed to more "militant members" who voiced their desire to declare war on the Muggles),[6] the Statute was first signed in 1689,[2] but it was only three years later, in 1692,[3] that it was officially established and effectively started to be enforced by every Ministry of Magic.

The Malfoys were a wealthy and influential wizarding family who, notably, fervently opposed the imposition of the Statute. Despite their espousal of pure-blood values and their strong belief in wizards' superiority over Muggles, the Malfoys had always drawn a sharp distinction between poor Muggles and those with wealth and authority; they had historically been associated with high-born Muggle circles, such as royalty (William the Conqueror and Queen Elizabeth I being notable examples) and aristocracy, which, in part, resulted in their vast collection of Muggle treasures and works of art. Their strong opposition of the Statute was, in short, due to the fact that the law would force them to withdraw from this enjoyable sphere of social life.[7]

Once the Statute was passed into law in 1692, however, the Malfoys cut off all ties with Muggle families, as they realised that further opposition would distance them from the new heart of power: the newly created Ministry of Magic. They performed an abrupt volte-face, and became vocally supportive of the Statute, hotly denying that they had ever fraternised with such people, in spite of the ample evidence to the contrary that wizarding historians assert.[7]

Now that Muggle and wizarding societies were alienated, it seemed only natural for wizards to come together and create, as Professor Bathilda Bagshot put it on her A History of Magic, "their own small communities within a community". Several magical families were attracted to small villages and hamlets, where they could start their own communities, for mutual support and protection, alongside more tolerant and sometimes Confunded Muggles. Some of the most celebrated of these half-magical wizard villages of Tinworth in Cornwall, Upper Flagley in Yorkshire, Ottery St Catchpole in Devon, and Godric's Hollow in the West Country date back to then.[2]

Contents

The Statute stated that each individual Ministry or Council was responsible for hiding the presence of the magical community in their own country. Each Ministry was held responsible for, among other things, the control of magical beasts, curbing public displays of underage magic, and ensuring that magical games and sports were played without risk of discovery.

Clause 73

In 1750, Clause 73 was added to the Statute. The Clause stated:

"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]

Dress guidelines

The Statute also included dress guidelines for witches and wizards when among Muggles. The Statute stated:

"When mingling with Muggles, wizards and witches will adopt an entirely Muggle standard of dress, which will conform as closely as possible to the fashion of the day. Clothing must be appropriate to the climate, the geographical region and the occasion. Nothing self-altering or adjusting is to be worn in front of Muggles."
— International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy[src]

In spite of these clear instructions, clothing misdemeanours were one of the most common infractions of the International Statute of Secrecy since its inception.[8]

Sports rules

The Statute included sports guidelines when among Muggles. Wizards and witches were strictly forbidden from taking part in Muggle sports, yet they were allowed to support a Muggle side.[9]

Breaches

Breaches of the Statute, such as using magic in front of Muggles for no good reason, were dealt with by the relevant Ministry, with a variety of punishments available to be enforced upon the offender.

Breaches of Clause 73

Clause 73 was breached repeatedly, with the countries of Scotland and Tibet among the worst offenders. Scotland was home to the world's largest kelpie, which was known to the Muggle world as the Loch Ness Monster, and was the subject of repeated sightings. In Tibet, the number of Yeti sightings prompted the International Confederation of Wizards to station an International Task Force in the mountains on a permanent basis.[10]

Other breaches of Clause 73 included the Ilfracombe Incident in 1932.[10]

Originally, Isobel McGonagall followed the Statute by concealing her magical heritage from her Muggle husband, Robert McGonagall Snr. However, when their first daughter Minerva began exhibiting magical powers, Isobel was forced to break the Statute and reveal to her husband the existence of the wizarding world. This shows that wizards and witches with Muggle spouses could reveal the magical world under such circumstances. It was for this reason that Minerva refused to marry Dougal McGregor, fearing to bring up her magical heritage.[11]

When the Minister for Magic introduced him- or herself to the Muggle Prime Minister, they could use magic as proof of existence of magic, as Cornelius Fudge performed a transfiguration spell in front of the new Prime Minister as an introduction. It was expected that the Muggle Prime Minister would not tell anyone of this, seeing that probably nobody would believe it anyway, and this breach would not be considered against the law.[12]

Breaches of the sports rules

The rumoured true goal of the Wizarding Supporters of Scottish Rugby Union was to secretly install a gifted Squib on every Scottish rugby team, thus infringing the express prohibition on wizarding interference in Muggle sports set in the Statute of Secrecy. Jim Hamilton and Kelly Brown were two such suspected Squibs.

It was known that Stuart Hogg was a wizard,[13] something which, even though Muggles remain unaware of it, contravened the Statute of Secrecy.

Other breaches

In 1790, a North American witch named Dorcus Twelvetrees made a serious breach when she confided secret information to a No-Maj Scourer descendant named Bartholomew Barebone. She told him not only about the existence of MACUSA and the International Confederation of Wizards, but also the location of Ilvermorny School. Barebone stole her wand and showed it off to the press, and called for No-Maj persecution of magical folk. Due to his actions, President Emily Rappaport of MACUSA instated "Rappaport's Law" which completely segregated witches and wizards from the No-Majs, and remained the law of the land until repealed in 1965.[14]

When Newt Scamander visited New York City in 1926 and allowed some of his magical beasts to escape, it was considered a serious breach of the Statute. In addition, he allowed a No-Maj, Jacob Kowalski, to view the creatures and even go inside his magic case.[15]

Newt and Tina Goldstein were falsely accused of breaking the Statute of Secrecy by conspiring to unleash a dangerous Obscurus from the suitcase, but they escaped execution in the Death Cell at MACUSA. In reality, there was another Obscurial (Credence Barebone) already in New York who was killing No-Majs and destroying buildings.[15]

Gellert Grindelwald disguised himself as Percival Graves in order to track down the Obscurial who was wreaking havoc on New York in 1926. He wanted to break both the Statute of Secrecy and Rappaport's Law to show the superior power of wizards over the No-Majs.[15]

On 31 October 1981, Tom Riddle appeared in Godric's Hollow without disguising himself as a Muggle on his way to kill James and Lily Potter and their son Harry Potter (although the attempt on the latter's life was ultimately unsuccessful.) However, it is unclear if this is a true breach, as the Muggles who saw him mistook his wizarding robes for a Hallowe'en costume.[2]

In 1994, both Durmstrang, with their underwater-travelling Ship, and Beauxbatons, with their Abraxan-pulled carriage, broke the law when travelling to Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament[16]

On 14 December 2018, a Muggle speed camera captured blurry footage of several out-of-control riderless Nimbus 2000 broomsticks speeding on a motorway in Sydney, Australia. The Statute of Secrecy Task Force was deployed to track the rogue brooms before they were noticed by Muggle authorities.[17]

Criticism

During the 20th century, Carlotta Pinkstone famously campaigned for the repeal of the Statute and letting Muggles know about the existence of magic. She was imprisoned several times for breaching the Statute in front of Muggles.[18] In 1926, Gellert Grindelwald criticised the Statute of Secrecy, claiming it was meant to protect Muggles instead of wizardkind.[15]

Behind the scenes

  • Although it is not stated, the year the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy was established is the same year as the occurrence of the Salem Witch Trials in which numerous people were accused of witchcraft, with nineteen hanged, which could serve as a canon staple to make the Statute validated.
  • Also not stated, but the year the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy was established is the same year as the signing of the Bill of Rights in England, a civil document, that established the basic rights of citizens and men in the United Kingdom. Both documents defined the lives of the local populace - the Bill of Rights enabled the Rule of Law, which defined the lives for Muggles in the United Kingdom, the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, however, defined the lives of the whole of the Wizarding world.
  • On Question 11 of the Grade 1 Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test, this law is misspelled as "International Statue of Secrecy".

Appearances

Notes and references

  1. ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 26 (The Second Task)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 16 (Godric's Hollow)
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Quidditch Through the Ages, Chapter 5 (Anti-Muggle Precautions)
  4. ↑ The Tales of Beedle the Bard - Albus Dumbledore on "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot"
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 First question of the Third W.O.M.B.A.T. at J. K. Rowling's official site.
  6. ↑ Writing by J. K. Rowling: "The Potter Family" at Wizarding World
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Writing by J. K. Rowling: "The Malfoy Family" at Wizarding World
  8. ↑ Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Clothing" at Wizarding World
  9. ↑ Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Scottish Rugby" at Wizarding World
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
  11. ↑ Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Professor McGonagall" at Wizarding World
  12. ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 1 (The Other Minister)
  13. ↑ J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) on Twitter: "That thing where I said Stuart Hogg might be a Squib? He's a wizard."
  14. ↑ History of Magic in North America
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay
  16. ↑ Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test: Question 11, Grade 1
  17. ↑ Harry Potter: Wizards Unite: Wizarding News: "Riderless Nimbus 2000 Out of Control"
  18. ↑ J. K. Rowling's official site
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