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- Feb 12, 2007
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The Church of Scientology has fended off allegations of torture, blackmail, imprisonment and coerced abortions tabled in Australia's parliament.
Independent Senator Nick Xenophon branded the Church a "criminal organisation" and called for a review of its tax-exempt status as a religion.
He presented letters from former members claiming embezzlement, forced confinement, torture and blackmail, as well as the "ordering" of abortions and virtual house arrest of followers.
"Scientology is not a religious organisation, it is a criminal organisation that hides behind its so-called religious beliefs," Mr Xenophon told parliament.
A statement by the Church, whose world-famous followers include actors Tom Cruise and John Travolta, said the claims were "fascistic".
It also called the attack an "outrageous abuse of parliamentary privilege", referring to Mr Xenophon's protection from libel laws.
The Church said: "Senator Xenophon is obviously being pressured by disgruntled former members who use hate speech and distorted accounts of their experiences in the Church.
"They are about as reliable as former spouses are when talking about their ex-partner."
But Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had told parliament he was concerned about the claims, saying they were "grave" and needed further consideration.
"Many people in Australia have real concerns about Scientology. I share some of those concerns," he said.
"I don't want to rush into any judgement on this, other than to say (Mr Xenophon) raised concerns and made some serious allegations.
"Let us proceed carefully and look carefully at the material he has provided before we make a decision on further parliamentary action."
Founded in the United States in 1954 by science-fiction writer L Ron Hubbard, the Church of Scientology is officially recognised as a religion in Australia for tax purposes.
SKYNews
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4P8srSFeSQ[/ame]
Independent Senator Nick Xenophon branded the Church a "criminal organisation" and called for a review of its tax-exempt status as a religion.
He presented letters from former members claiming embezzlement, forced confinement, torture and blackmail, as well as the "ordering" of abortions and virtual house arrest of followers.
"Scientology is not a religious organisation, it is a criminal organisation that hides behind its so-called religious beliefs," Mr Xenophon told parliament.
A statement by the Church, whose world-famous followers include actors Tom Cruise and John Travolta, said the claims were "fascistic".
It also called the attack an "outrageous abuse of parliamentary privilege", referring to Mr Xenophon's protection from libel laws.
The Church said: "Senator Xenophon is obviously being pressured by disgruntled former members who use hate speech and distorted accounts of their experiences in the Church.
"They are about as reliable as former spouses are when talking about their ex-partner."
But Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had told parliament he was concerned about the claims, saying they were "grave" and needed further consideration.
"Many people in Australia have real concerns about Scientology. I share some of those concerns," he said.
"I don't want to rush into any judgement on this, other than to say (Mr Xenophon) raised concerns and made some serious allegations.
"Let us proceed carefully and look carefully at the material he has provided before we make a decision on further parliamentary action."
Founded in the United States in 1954 by science-fiction writer L Ron Hubbard, the Church of Scientology is officially recognised as a religion in Australia for tax purposes.
SKYNews