Australian Senator challenges Scientology cult to agree to Senate inquiry

The independent senator Nick Xenophon has challenged the Church of Scientology to agree to a Senate inquiry after the church succeeded in having Hansard altered to include its response to his attack on its activities.

”Senator Xenophon’s statements under parliamentary privilege were false and unsubstantiated,” reads the long reply to the November attack detailing allegations of abuse and criminality that was put onto the parliamentary record this week.

The church claimed former members upon whose testimony the senator had relied were linked to a cyber-hate group called Anonymous which had also been involved in ”unlawful attacks on the Australian Prime Minister’s website”.
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”I challenge the Church of Scientology – if they are so confident of their position, they should welcome a Senate inquiry where they can give evidence,” Senator Xenophon said yesterday.

He has been in discussions with Greens and Coalition senators about an inquiry into the tax-exempt status of the church.
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Our View

It is not only incorrect, but also profoundly hypocritical of the ‘Church of Scientology’ to refer to Anonymous as a ‘hate group.’ After all, the Scientology cult is known for its lengthy history of hate- and harassment activities — unethical behavior based on the writings and philosophies of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. See, for instance, dead agenting and fair game.

Fair criticism of the Church of Scientology’s behaviour is not an act of hatred, but rather an exercise in free speech. It is not just members of Anonymous who are critical of Scientology’s actions, but also erstwhile long-time Scientology members who speak out against a pattern of abuse.

• See also: Why We Protest

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