Australian Senator Xenophon slammed Scientology in a speech in parliment. It was covered last night on national TV here by a current affairs program Today Tonight. By sheer chance (as I usually do not watch TV) it was starting when I went into my MIL's room (she is a JW who lives with us) so I stayed and watched the program.
The senator stated at the end of his speech, "Scientology is not a religious organisation, it is a criminal organisation that hides behind its so-called religious beliefs."
Here is a transcipt of the senator's speech:
http://au.todaytonight.yahoo.com/article/6489042/none/scientology-hammered-senator
What was so interesting to me was the similarities between Scientology and JWs. (I was hoping my MIL would see it too - she did seem a bit uncomfortable during some of the story). For example on a number of occasions the ex scientologists being interviewed would say that basically the most important thing was not bringing any shame on the organisation.
Some other things that were said that are very similar to the problems with JW's were:
The covering up of child abuse. For example
"Carmel says she also witnessed a young girl who had been molested by her father being coached as to what she should say to investigating authorities in order to keep the crimes secret."
The policy of shunning those that leave or speak out or the cutting off association with 'worldly' relatives and friends. For example
"Anna says she was instructed by the organisation to disconnect from her sister because her sister was gay and therefore, according to Scientology, dangerous, perverted and evil."
and
"Other families have contacted me expressing grave concerns about their children who are still under the control of this organisation. But they have asked that I do not identify them for fear of never hearing from their children again."
The slander meant to discredit those that leave. For example
"And when she (Carmel) finally left the organisation, she says, information she divulged during so-called auditing was used by members to discredit her."
The subtle way of getting people into the organisation by the slow and gradual divulging of the truth. For example
"Kevin Mackey wrote to me detailing his 26 years of abuse in the organisation. In his letter, which I have tabled, he says: When one begins Scientology there is nothing weird or space alien about it in fact Scientology as seen by a newbie is a Godsend to a troubled soul.
But he goes on to say: Once you have taken the bait and become hooked, the real Scientology is presented, very slowly, over years."
I found videos of the Today Tonight story and the senators speech on this ex Scientology website.
http://www.forum.exscn.net/showthread.php?t=14728
All the time I was watching it I was wondering if the senator would be interested in hearing about some of the policies of JWs.
Hopscotch