PENRYN, Pa. (AP) — The police department has refused to direct traffic at a YMCA triathlon because it says the club promotes witchcraft by reading Harry Potter books to children.

Penryn Fire Police Capt. Robert Fichthorn said the eight-member force voted unanimously to boycott the 20th running of the triathlon, scheduled for Sept. 7.

"I don't feel right taking our children's minds and teaching them (witchcraft)," Fichthorn said.

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The Lancaster Family YMCA began reading chapters of the Harry Potter books to children enrolled in an after-school program in November.

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