Press release – Scientology U.K. – December 2013
FECRIS the European umbrella for voluntary organisations seeking to defend the victims of cult abuse, has called the UK Supreme Court’s recent judgement in favour of scientology a “betrayal”, and seeks action by the UK government.
FECRIS today issued the following statement:
While the judgment was on a narrow point of law, that is whether a scientology “chapel” qualifies as a place of worship for the purpose of conducting marriage ceremonies, its ramifications are highly dangerous.
We predict that scientology will use the judgment to claim that they have been recognised as a religion, as a means of claiming the privileges enjoyed by religions, including tax relief and the ability to establish and sponsor new schools: that they will also take full advantage of this minor legal victory to defend themselves against those who are aware of their highly damaging methods and the misery they inflict on many families, and criticise them accordingly.
We believe that the Supreme Court’s judgment was based on a lack of understanding of the nature and methods of scientology by the judges concerned, has handed a propaganda victory to an organisation which acts against the public interest, and constitutes a betrayal of thousands of families in the UK and around the world.
We call on the UK government to give urgent attention to the available legislative and other options to protect the public, taking note of the recent actions of the French, Belgian and German governments.
NOTES:
FECRIS (European Federation of Centres of Research and Information on Cults and Sects) is active in 30 countries in Europe and beyond.
FECRIS is recognised by the Council of Europe and the FRA (Fundamental Rights Agency of the EU) and enjoys ECOSOC Special Consultative Status within the United Nations