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Australian senator launches attack on Church of Scientology

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Wed, 18 Nov 2009 3:01p.m.

Scientology founder L Ron Hubbard once said the easiest way to make money was to start your own religion

Scientology founder L Ron Hubbard once said the easiest way to make money was to start your own religion

An Australian senator has used the cover of Parliamentary privilege to launch a scathing attack on the Church of Scientology, describing it as a criminal organisation and calling for a police investigation.

Senator Nick Xenophon says he has been contacted by a number of former Scientologists who accuse the organisation of "shocking crimes", including forced imprisonment, violence, coerced abortions and blackmail.

They say the Church of Scientology is an abusive, manipulative, violent and criminal organisation.

Xenophon, an independent from South Australia, tabled a number of letters from the former members and says he has passed them on to police.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says he has concerns about the "grave allegations"

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Comments

19 Nov 2009 09:06a.m.

Sophie wrote:

"...has used the cover of Parliamentary privilege..." What? Why is this article worded so as to make it seem that Xenophon is engaging in some sort of slander under cover of his political duties? I'm astonished that more politicians haven't brought this sort of conduct by scientology up before, and hardly feel that he's doing anything blameworthy!

18 Nov 2009 08:29p.m.

David Ceptimous wrote:

Anonymous, the online group protesting the crimes and abuses of Scientology approves of Mr Xenophon's statement and says "it's about time the truth was told about Scientology"