Scientology now recognised as a religion in the UK
The Dove
Posts: 1,221 Forum Member
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News is just coming from the Supreme Court that Scientology has won it's case to be officially recognised as a real religion in the UK.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25331754
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25331754
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It's not about the UK allowing Scientology as a religion though, it's about licensing their chapel as a place for the solemnisation of marriage. If it was to be recognised as a religion, it would presumably have to go through Parliament, not the Supreme Court.
Awful if it can now qualify for tax exemption in the UK.
Indeed.
It always amuses me when religious people look down on Scientology because its all made up
i can see how it won
If this stands, UK taxpayers will be funding an organisation which is accused of a long list of illegal activity.
Oh and you can forget about criticising it since they'll also be claiming protection under laws against religious hatred.
I do not oppose this cult on the grounds of belief, it's about the abuses.
Bad thing is, that it may now be seen as a 'hate crime' to criticise this bunch of idiots.
Let's just ban tax relief for voodooo nonsensery in general, sorted.
Exactly and believe me the Scientology organisation will take advantage of that. Guess it's time to read up on what happens when one is arrested.
The same can be said of all religions.
None of them should have tax breaks or exemptions from the law, but they do.
Untill such a time where religions lose there privileges then they should all be treated the same surely ?
Outrageous decision. Law Lords must be stupid enough to be prime recruits.
Is that you Tom?
You really need to read up on exactly what Scientology is. This is not about religious beliefs, it's about hiding criminal activity behind a mask of religion.
Unless they start giving their teachings and auditing away for free, I can't see that changing. As a profit-making organisation which actively excludes the public, they're kinda different.
FWIW I despise the Co$ with a passion, but I don't have a problem with it being a place where $cilons can get married. That doesn't bother me at all; people should be able to get married wherever they want.
For me its not so much what they believe, its the lack of openess about those beliefs and what people have to do to be part of it.
A fair point.
I looked at this thread and my first thought was "Yay! One more thing to not give a shit about" but this lot are rather "predatory" in their dealings with dissenters so it's kind of worrying that they've now got a legal standing.
I know exactly what Scientology is.
May I suggest you read up on the criminal activities of other more traditional religions.
A good point to start would be the funding of terrorist organisations or the hiding of peadophiles.
There probably wouldn't be anything to read if it was about scientology though. It'd all be wrapped up in superinjunctions and libel suits.
And Father Ted probably wouldn't have happened.
For years the whole service issue has blocked Scientology from getting tax relief through charitable status. This case was brought as a new attempt to get around that by simply having the cult recognised as a religion.
Louisa Hodkin's father, Peter, has acted as a solicitor for the 'church' in the past and has sent out cease and desist letters to critics and protesters in an attempt to intimidate us into silence.