*** FRENCH POLITICS AND CULTURE PING LIST *** FREEPMAIL ME IF YOU WANT TO JOIN ***
WE all know Scientology is not a religion. Its purpose is not worship. Its main belief is separating the adherants from their money.
That being said, prosecution for belief is something that is antithetical to the American way. It has a chilling effect on all religion, and all free speech, and, IMO is a violation of the First Amendment.
My feeling is that Scientology, as everyone else, should be prosecuted for all violations of the law, and every case of fraud or, as the French say, “escroquerie”. Banning belief is a dangerous road to go down.
Now, I don’t know what the tax laws are in France regarding religions. In the US, because Scientology is classified as a religion, it can, and does, benefit from tax emptions for religions, like property tax, etc. If anyone is familiar with the French law on this, please post and let us know.
NB: In French, a “culte” is what we call a “sect”. Like Baptist or Presbyterian are different Protestant sects. “Secte” is what in English we call a Cult... like Scientology, Moonies, and other assorted moonbats.
Don’t worry about the terminology too much....remember...they’re French.
Old mutha Hubbard went to his cupboard...