Scientology under close observation
Top security officials from Germany have stated that they consider the goals of the Church of Scientology to be in conflict with the principles of the nation's constitution. As a result, interior ministers are now preparing to ban the organisation completely.
Scientology, a religion that practises "'the study of truth", has been under observation from Germany's interior ministers for over 10 years and Berlin Interior Minister Ehrhart claims they "consider Scientology to be an organisation that is not compatible with the constitution".
The U.S. State Department has regularly pointed out that Germany isn't favouring human rights by continuing to monitor Scientology. Scientologists themselves have continued to campaign throughout the years to bring the surveillance of its practises to an end.
Though no exact reason has been given for the proposed ban, an annual report compiled by the interior ministers states "From a number of sources, some of them not available to the public, it has been determined that (the organisation) seeks to limit or rescind basic and human rights, such as the right to develop one's personality and the right to be treated equally".
Following a story on the matter by CNN, the Church of Scientology has responded to the German officials by making the following statement:
"While failing to pursue the Hamburg Minister of Interior's motion, the Minister of Interior Conference has demonstrated that they are completely out of step with the rest of the world. Their statement and recommendation are a blatant attempt at justifying the ongoing and never-ending discrimination against the Church of Scientology and its members in Germany.
Ten years of OPC surveillance has uncovered absolutely no wrongdoing which could justify a ban, as conceded by Federal Minister of Interior Wolfgang Schauble in his interview with German Radio. There is no evidence of wrongdoing to uncover.
The suggestion that the OPC not only continue but expand its intrusive and illegal investigation represents a desperate attempt to concoct a justification for a never-ending investigation that wastes millions of taxpayer euros."
It's extraordinary that Germany could seek to ban an entire religion. Though objections toward Scientology seem to be growing, this is surely taking it too far.
Source: CNN.com