According to an Australian Australian Senator Nick Zenophon.
Senator Xenophon [raised] allegations of widespread criminal conduct within the church, saying he had received letters from former followers detailing claims of abuse, false imprisonment and forced abortion.He says he has passed on the letters to the police and is calling for a Senate inquiry into the religion and its tax-exempt status.
"I am deeply concerned about this organisation and the devastating impact it can have on its followers," he told the Senate.
A spokeswoman for the church, Virginia Stewart, says she is shocked to hear Senator Xenophon's claims, as no-one within the church seems disgruntled.
"If these people had key issues, then how come they haven't contacted the church officially?" she said.
Comments
"If these people had key issues, then how come they haven't contacted the church officially?"
Oh, I don't know. Maybe because they're afraid of false imprisonment and abusive treatment.
Posted by: djfav | November 19, 2009 10:46 AM
She can't prove they haven't ;)
Posted by: rpsms | November 19, 2009 10:56 AM
Zenophon is clearly just a pseudonym for Xenu. How blatant could he get, 'sounds like Zeno'? Nice try, galactic emperor.
Posted by: Jason | November 19, 2009 11:10 AM
How Australian can one get?
"According to an Australian Australian Senator..."
Posted by: NewEnglandBob | November 19, 2009 11:19 AM
I know, there should be a comma:
"According to an Australian, Australian Senator ..."
Posted by: Greg Laden | November 19, 2009 11:27 AM
I'm so glad you got that cleared (!) up, because otherwise it would have been such an obvious Australian Australian Xenu-Phoney. ;-)
Posted by: Rrr | November 19, 2009 12:37 PM
"If these people had key issues, then how come they haven't contacted the church officially?"
Wait, they were complaining of "abuse, false imprisonment and forced abortion" by the church, and she wanted them to complain to the church?
I'm confused; why would anyone complain of abuses to the very organization which was responsible for these said abuse?
Posted by: Jared | November 19, 2009 12:51 PM
@Jared -
Stewart's comment is just the opening salvo in the CoS tactic of painting itself as the victim of disgruntled ex-members with axes to grind.
Posted by: Jay | November 19, 2009 1:21 PM
All they have is a Senator to lead the fight? Maybe we should loan them the ShamWow guy.
Posted by: José | November 19, 2009 1:34 PM
Wow - the scientologists are taking a routine out of the Roman Catholic Church playbook: Of course the people we abuse can trust us, and only us, to address their issues.
Indeed, why is scientology tax exempt in Australia - did the folks down under think that because the IRS was strongarmed into giving them tax exempt status that they must therefore be automatically entitled to global tax exemption?
Posted by: MadScientist | November 19, 2009 7:54 PM
Water is wet.
Posted by: Azkyroth | November 19, 2009 10:14 PM
** GLOBAL RALLIES TO SUPPORT XENOPHON (THIS SUNDAY, NOV. 22)**
The Australian government has said it will consider Senator Xenophon's request for an inquiry into Scientology, but the Opposition in the Senate is not so keen.
Anons around the world should immediately plan peaceful rallies outside their local Australian embassy/consulate to express support for Senator Xenophon and his call for an inquiry into the cult.
It is of vital importance that Opposition in the Australian Senate sees that the entire world is demanding a full investigation into the CoS, not just one brave senator.
*** Time is of the essence. These rallies must happen immediately. ***
Below is a list of Australian Embassies and consulates worldwide. For countries not listed, go to link… Australian Embassies, high commissions, consulates, multilateral missions and representative offices
Remember... "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing".
DO IT, FAGGOTS!
Posted by: Anonymous | November 19, 2009 10:38 PM
People are rushing to organize worldwide rallies in support of Senator Xenophon this weekend, prior to the Senate vote on Monday.
More info HERE.
Posted by: Anonymous | November 20, 2009 12:56 AM