http://www.coordiap.com/Document/ONU_060308_Rapport_su_3FF.pdf
In this document you could find that JW and scientology have met the UN's representant when he visited France in September 2005 to talk about the french's policy concerning religion.
Not surprisingly, UN now criticize france concerning his policy against cult, without talking about a specefic's case of discrimination.
Bye
Charles
How Scientology and JW help UN to criticize France
by chasson 9 Replies latest watchtower scandals
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chasson
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greendawn
The scientologists and the JWS being in the same boat that shows that they have a lot in common. Why do the JWs expect to be tolerated to cause the death of their members by their erroneous blood policy and destroy families through shunning?
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Kero-kero
Mmmmm!
JW's and Scientologist do not have anything in common...so I would not say that. After all Scientology seems to be based more on Science Fiction. The problem in France is not just one encounted by Scientologist or JW's it is also encounted by other so called none main-stream religions...and even major religions like Islam. These other religions have also gone to the UN about their human rights to worship freely in what is pretty much a socialist country. In the case of Islam, for example, the Schools do not like the muslim girls wearing a head dress, where as in a lot of other countries there are schools that have applied the head dress has part of the uniform.
I am sure if the Frence Government was to say that crucifixes could no longer be worn by Catholics...then the Catholic church would approach the UN about Frances attitude towards religion.
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chasson
kero-kero:I am sure if the Frence Government was to say that crucifixes could no longer be worn by Catholics..then the Catholic church would approach the UN about Frances attitude towards religion.
I think you really don't understand the situation in France.
In french's public school, as in the french administration, if you wear a cross, you must wear under your clothes and not above . So could you find in the UN document where the catholic church has criticized the french's government for this?
Bye
Charles -
chasson
To add something on the subject, and to prove that the complaint concerning anticult law are coming from scientology and JW and not other group, see:
http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G06/117/19/PDF/G0611719.pdf?OpenElement
Page 16
"82. During her visit, the Special Rapporteur met with representatives of some of the religious
groups or communities of belief that were included in the 1996 list, including members of the
Church of Scientology and Jehovah’s Witnesses. Most have recognized some improvement in
their situation but cases of unlawful discrimination continued to be raised, including in the
school system because of the anti-sectes campaign that is often conducted without appropriate
guidance, resulting in the stigmatization of a number of children that were said to be members of
these groups."
Well, the JW and scientology has never made public this case, even if they are quick to make public declaration each year concerning their fight and victory against France.
"The existence and publicity of the list of sectes has not affected only freedom of religion
or belief. In addition, the mere fact that one is a member of a group on the list has constituted an
element for judicial or other decisions that negatively affect an individual’s other rights, for
example, in child custody cases."
This IS TOTALLY FALSE, and furthermore, the JW are very proud to say everywhere in France, that they have won all judicial's case where attempt has been made to link this list of 1995 and them as being a cult. This list has no judicial legitimity. It is clearly state by the governement !!!
"There are also a number of ongoing cases, including those related to tax matters, where
religious groups or communities of belief have reported instances of discrimination. In this
regard, the Special Rapporteur was told that, under the law of 9 December 1905, certain groups
or movements can be exonerated from tax as long as they exclusively exercise a religion, an
assessment that certain interlocutors have assimilated to a form of recognition of the religious
character of a group.
85. Finally, some groups complained about difficulties and obstacles to building places of
worship and lack of access to detention facilities."
For this two last thing, this is true, but they have forgotten that when they are right, they win in justice. It is simple and for prison, the report is clear, JW have now no problem to go inside:
"92. During her mission, the Special Rapporteur gathered information on the status of
freedom of religion or belief in prisons and other detention facilities, including by visiting the
Prison des Baumettes in Marseilles. In this regard, the French authorities demonstrated a high
level of transparency and great cooperation. During the visit to the prison, the Special
Rapporteur met with various representatives of the prison personnel and a number of detainees
and prisoners from different religious backgrounds.
93. While there were some complaints about the possibilities offered to inmates in order to
practise their religion, there was generally a level of satisfaction among them about the respect
for freedom of religion in the prison"
Bye
Charles -
Kero-kero
Thanks for the information. I saw the first PDF link, but sadly, my French is not that good...I just know the little I was taught at school...I ended up studying Japanese.
And you are right...I do not fully understand the situation in France...I did not mean to come across as arrogant, ignorant or rude, so I am sorry, if I did.
What is the actually going on with this TAX situation. I met a JW from France and he was complaining about an unfair tax...Did not fully understand what he meant. Because...if I have read it right...JW's exercise a relgion so therefore should be exonerated from tax.
Sorry...I'm a bit daft.
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chasson
When you read UN document concerning religious liberty, and specially the document from the special Rapporteur:
http://ap.ohchr.org/documents/dpage_e.aspx?m=86
you are surprised to see that in Armenia, the main controversy concerning alternative service between the JW and the government is now only on the duration of this service since 2004. In 2004, Armenia has agreed to furnish to conscientous objector a civil service, but it seems that JW after accepting this service has refused it.
Pages 3,4
"Armenia
Communication sent on 9 June 2005
3. The Special Rapporteur had received information according to which, on 21
June 2004, Jehovah's Witness conscientious objector Mr. Armen Grigoryan, who
refused military service after being called up, was summoned to the military
recruitment office in Yerevan. Within 24 hours, he was taken out of Armenia against
his will and transferred to a military unit across the border in Nagorno-Karabakh. He
was beaten at a base in Martuni region of eastern Karabakh upon his refusal to swear
the military oath and to sing the national anthem. He was later stripped and forced to
stand in his underwear in front of about 1,800 soldiers and to tell them why he refused
to do military service. He escaped from his unit and fled back to Armenia in August
2004. On 28 April 2005, he decided to give himself in and went with his lawyer to the
police station in Yerevan. He was immediately arrested and taken to Stepanakert in
Nagorno-Karabakh, where he was held in solitary confinement in an investigation cell
at the time of the communication.
4. The Special Rapporteur was further informed that nineteen Jehovah's
Witnesses were still in prison for refusing military service on grounds of conscience.
5. In addition, of the 24 young men who opted for the alternative labour service
in 2004, 22 were Jehovah's Witnesses who believed assurances by officials that the
service was of civil character. Many expressed concern about the terms of the service.
For instance, Mr. Vahe Grigoryan, Mr. Garazat Azatyan, Mr. Hayk Khachatryan
and Mr. Garik Melkonyan, who were assigned to the Vardenis psychiatric hospital,
had to wear military-style uniforms, carry identity cards marked "Armed Forces of the
Republic of Armenia", and were treated as soldiers. They were regularly visited by
the military police and were given degrading work. Some have abandoned this
alternative service and are therefore at risk of prosecution. On 6 May 2005, Mr.
Narek Alaverdyan and Mr. Arsen Sevoyan were immediately arrested by the
military police after they refused to continue their alternative service.
E/CN.4/2006/5/Add.1
Page 4
Response from Government dated 6 September 2005
6. The Government informed the Special Rapporteur that the issues related to
and terms of the alternative service in Armenia are regulated by the Law “on
Alternative Service”, which entered into force on 1 July 2004.
Article 3 of the Law provides that an alternative service is allowed for those
citizens whose religion or religious belief is incompatible with performing
regular military services in military units as well as holding or use of
weapons.
According to the above-mentioned Law, there are two types of alternative
services:
1. Alternative military service (although not taking place in military
training premises and without requirement to hold and use weapons and
military equipment;
2. Alternative labor service (outside military forces).
Article 4 of the Law stipulates that a citizen is sent to serve the alternative
military service if he applies to the military recruitment office of his district
no later than 1 March or 1 September before the next regular call-up—and if
the district military office takes the correspondent decision to this end.
Article 8 of the Law stipulates that the district military recruitment
commission discusses the application for an alternative service in its separate
session. The applicant has to be informed about the date and time of the
session before the session takes place. The recruitment commission takes a
separate decision on each application.
Additional response dated 26 September 2005
7. The Government informed that the information about the 22 Jehovah’s
Witnesses was false. The se Jehovah’s Witnesses engaged in alternative service
voluntarily, having first been familiarized with the Law and its individual provisions.
The men have never worn military uniforms and the dress which persons who perform
alternative service are required to wear is quite different from military uniform. On
receipt of their clothing, the men wore it for four months and did not express any
objection. They have never been treated as military personnel. They performed their
service in civilian establishments, medical institutions and residential homes.
8. After parents of the Jehovah’s witnesses submitted a complaint to the
Government expressing their dissatisfaction with the place and nature of the
alternative service on 14 March 2005, several Government officials visited Seva n
psychiatric hospital, Vardenis residential home and Gyumri psychiatric health center
where the Jehovah’s witnesses undertook their alternative service. In all institutions
the Government officials found that the alternative service the Jehovah’s witnesses
were required to do was not arduous or degrading or in conflict with the labour
organization and that their treatment was normal and humane. In the first months of
their service the Jehovah’s Witnesses had performed their services as was required
E/CN.4/2006/5/Add.1
Page 5
and held good relations with the general staff. Their living conditions were normal,
their accommodation comfortable and their food requirements were met.
9. Towards the end of March and the beginning of April the Jehovah’s
Witnesses’ attitude suddenly changed and they abandoned their service. Because the
Government officials could not find a due cause for them to leave, the Jehovah’s
Witnesses must bear responsibility for the abandonment of service under the existing
Alternative Service Act.
Observations
10. The Special Rapporteur is grateful for the Government’s response. She
would like to draw the Government’s attention to Paragraph 5 of Resolution 1998/77
of the Commission on Human Rights, which emphasizes that States should take the
necessary measures to refrain from subjecting conscientious objectors to
imprisonment.
11. Moreover, she notes that the Human Rights Committee has encouraged
States to ensure that the length of alternative service does not have a punitive
character, in comparison to the duration of regular military service. (See inter alia
CCPR/CO/83/GRC, paragraph 15). Noting Armenia’s commitment regarding
alternative service further to its accession to the Council of Europe, she encourages
the Government to initiate a review the law from the perspective of its compliance
with international standards and best practices."
Bye
Charles -
chasson
kero-kero: What is the actually going on with this TAX situation. I met a JW from France and he was complaining about an unfair tax...Did not fully understand what he meant. Because...if I have read it right...JW's exercise a relgion so therefore should be exonerated from tax.
Concerning gift, they are tax exempt since 1996. Concerning all taxes, they are free of them since 2000. This is purely a technical question concerning tax.
They were not a fully qualified religious association before 1996, because they, at this time, mixed religious activities, with printing activities that are considerated in french' s law as not religious.
When they separated the two activities, they were elligible to tax exemption, only if they didn't trouble the public order. They have winned in the Supreme court in 2000, so they are exempt of tax, and furthermore a JW who donate to his religion could have tax reduction from the state since 2000.
Bye
Charles -
robhic
While I am certainly no authority on this matter, I seem to remember a similar discussion from a few years back. This article (I think) is what started it. It all stems from tax issues:
FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY
by Gerald Sigal
The Watchtower Society has always maintained that it alone is the only Christian faith. All other groups claiming to be Christians are simply part of the false religions of the world destined to be destroyed by God. They are not worthy to be called "Christian." Thus, the Society has alleged:
. . . Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys ["begins to destroy," in 1926 edition] the churches wholesale and the church members by millions, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of "Christianity." (Charles Taze Russell, The Finished Mystery [Studies in the Scriptures, vol. 7], Brooklyn: Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 1917 [1917 edition], p. 485.)
The Watchtower Society describes itself as "the only organization on earth that understands the 'deep things of God'" and "the true Christian organization" (The Watchtower, July 1, 1973, p. 402). It asks, "[i]f you were asked to identify those who are truly worthy to bear the name 'Christian' today, using the guidelines established by Jesus himself, could you honestly select any of Christendom's churches?" (Awake! February 22, 1975, p. 23). In a description of its members it maintains that "There are people, worshipers of the true God, Jehovah, to whom you can flee. Millions have fled. Known as Jehovah's Witnesses, they make up an international Christian brotherhood. . . . Before baptism, all of these had completed a spiritually stimulating course of Bible study, enabling them to make a personal, well-founded decision to resign from all former attachment to any other religion" (Awake! November 8, 1996, p. 9). It is obvious that the Watchtower Society considers itself to be the only Christian group and its membership the only people who can truly be called Christians. Catholics and Protestants are part of "modern-day Christendom. False to its claim to being the realm of true Christianity, Christendom has fallen victim to Babylonish religion. . . .Christendom will go down into destruction with it" The Watchtower, October 1, 1982, p. 27). For over one hundred years the Watchtower Society has held to the position that only its members are Christians. But, to protect its financial holdings in France the Watchtower Society indulged in hypocrisy. In an open letter addressed to the President of France, appearing as a full page advertisement in The New York Times (July 5, 1998, Section 4, p. 12 WK), the "Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses" sought outside support for their protest against being taxed. Under the title: FRANCE MOVES TO TAX RELIGION! They claim that "French tax administrators have jeopardized basic human rights by imposing a punitive 60 percent tax on the third-largest Christian religion in France. If the tax laws can be used to suppress one religion in France, then many religions and nonprofit organizations are at risk." Whatever the legal merits of its objections may be are not our concern here. There is another issue. If the Jehovah's Witnesses are the self-proclaimed "third-largest Christian religion in France" what do they consider are the other two Christian religions? Are they referring to Catholics or Protestants? The Watchtower Society never refers to Catholics or Protestants as being "Christian religions," but only calls them by what the Society considers a derogatory term, "Christendom." For the love of money, however, the Watchtower Society has hypocritically by-passed one of its central doctrines: that it alone is the only Christian religion. It has attempted to fool those outside the organization unaware of its deviousness. By its teachings, the Society has already fooled its members. (underline and italics mine)I also have scans of the New York Times ad mentioned ( a friend who works in the Library of Congress was able to send it to me) if anyone is interested.
Robert
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Atlantis
Alain Garay is a member of Jehovah's Witnesses contributing for both JWs and Scientology!
French lawyer Alain Garay, a defence counsel for Jehovah’s Witnesses who fights their tax battles, was also invited to Vienna and Washington. He too is a frequent contributor to Scientology publications. (Scroll down just a little past 1/2 the way down) http://mondediplo.com/2001/06/09sects http://mondediplo.com/2001/06/09sects