Church of Scientology Reply to the German Government’s Defense of its Discrimination
For further information contact:
Leisa Goodman
(323) 960-3500
e-mail: humanrightsofficer@scientology.org
Church of Scientology Reply to the German Government’s Defense of its Discrimination
o Australia
Scientology was recognized as a religion in Australia as early as 1974 by the federal government when the first license was granted for a Scientology minister to perform marriages. This status has been in force since that time.
Since 1983, the Church has not only been afforded full religious recognition in Australia but also has tax-exempt status. In 1983, the High Court ruled unanimously that “the conclusion that it [the Church of Scientology] is a religious institution entitled to tax exemption is irresistible.”
o Canada
Churches throughout Canada have religious status and Scientology ministers are authorized to perform marriages in every Province where we have Churches: Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, British Columbia and Manitoba. Our churches also have property tax exemption in these Provinces.
o Austria
In August 1995, the Independent Administrative Senat in Vienna set forth a detailed analysis of the Church’s activities, concluding that the Church operates solely for charitable and religious purposes, and that the Church’s system of obtaining donations for its services is entirely appropriate, comparable to those in Christianity, Islam and Buddhism.
In August 1996, the Supreme Court of Austria overturned a lower court decision which would have awarded custody against a Scientologist mother. In her appeal to the Supreme Court, the mother had argued that “the appeals court in a one-sided fashion took the conclusions of the German federal government and made that into the basis for its decision, which also constitutes a procedural deficiency.” The Supreme Court recognized the religious nature of Scientology in affirming that “a decision, which in essence is only based on a different religious affiliation as such, cannot be accepted. The opinion of the Appeals Court, that custody has to be taken away from the mother solely on the basis of her membership in Scientology, is contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights and is therefore in violation of the law.”
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For further information contact:
Leisa Goodman
(323) 960-3500
e-mail: humanrightsofficer@scientology.org