http://webcenter.newssearch.netscape.com/aolns_display.adp?key=200202221410000295034_aolns.src let's follow the example of the French as we fight for liberty across the globe!!!
Hey, I actually agree with what they are doing. What is wrong with protecting their people from "snake oil salesmen" disquised as a church? DaDakota
and who gets to determine whether or not it's a religion??? the court?? some magistrate??? the first amendment still kicks ass!! protect it!
You may be right, but are they really snake oil salesmen, or is that just someone's opinion? China uses a similar logic, don't they? In their view, ALL religions are snake oil salesmen; preying on people's fears. Are they right? BTW, DaDa, regarding your sig. If there are 4th GLs, why are there still 3rd GLs?
Max, These seem like pretty harsh allegations (begun not by the gov, but by a group of former members). It should first be noted that the French are HUGE on personal liberty/freedom, sometimes to the detriment of other areas...therefore, any suggestion of violating personal or privacy rights will be taken seriously there. Next, they simply have to follow up on such a charge. It remains to be seen if they will find the accusing group to be correct and punish the church. Besides, Scientology was started as a joke...it was never meant to be a real religion. Don't we do similar things in the US with what the government perceives as cults, church fraud, etc? The big trial here in Atlanta involves the children of a church being taken away from their parents (among other things) due to what is perceived as child abuse during ceremony (House of God, I think). The church members are claiming that such charges are ridiculous, they have God on their side, etc...what is the difference?
