The Australian Independent Senator Nick Xenophon has used a speech in Parliament to raise allegations of widespread criminal conduct within the Church of Scientology.
Senator Xenophon says he’s received letters from former followers of the religion detailing claims of crimes and abuses.
He says he’s passed on the letters to the police and is calling for a Senate inquiry into the religion and its tax exempt status.
Senator Xenophon told Parliament scientology is a criminal organisation.
“The letters received by me which were written by former followers in Australia contain extensive allegations of crimes and abuses that are truly shocking,” he said.
[…more…]
, Radio Australia, Nov. 17, 2009 — Summarized by Religion News Blog
Xenophon told the Senate
What we are seeing is a worldwide pattern of abuse and criminality. On the body of evidence this is not happening by accident; it is happening by design. Scientology is not a religious organisation. It is a criminal organisation that hides behind its so-called religious beliefs. What you believe does not mean you are not accountable for how you behave.
Full Text
• Full text of Senator Nick Xenophon’s comments regarding Scientology
(1.13mb) page 73.
See Also
• Newspaper continues series of exposés of Scientology cult
• French court convicts Church of Scientology of fraud
• High-Level Members Who Left the Church of Scientology Say Leader David Miscavige Hit Subordinates
• What you should know about Scientology
• Help for victims of Scientology