Flag Product

Governments and courts of countries worldwide recognize the religious character of the Church of Scientology

Add to my list

Send to friend

Compare prices

Shop for it: (added from 1 site)

Buy itthetruthaboutsciento...

See more products from this brand »

Added by

luana1980 added to Scientology

Rate this:

0 Ratings

Added to 1 list

0 comments about it Add Comment

Description:

The European Court of Human Rights issued a unanimous landmark decision on 5th April 2007 in favor of the Scientology religion, upholding the religious freedom of Scientologists and their religious associations throughout the... See more » The European Court of Human Rights issued a unanimous landmark decision on 5th April 2007 in favor of the Scientology religion, upholding the religious freedom of Scientologists and their religious associations throughout the forty-six nations that have signed and ratified the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), adopted by the Council of Europe in 1950. By ruling in favor of the Church of Scientology, the Court reaffirmed an important issue that the Russian Federation has committed itself to uphold, namely the right to religious freedom for not only Scientologists but members of all religions throughout Europe. The Human Rights Court in the case entitled Church of Scientology Moscow v. Russia (application no. 18147/02), overturned the Moscow City government's refusal to register the Church of Scientology of Moscow as a religious organization. By way of background, the Moscow Church was officially registered as a religious community in 1994, but was denied re-registration under a 1997 law restricting registration of religious organizations, despite several court rulings finding that the Church fully qualified for registration under that law. The Court found that "the reasons invoked by the Moscow Justice Department and endorsed by the Moscow courts to deny re-registration of the applicant branch had no legal basis, it can be inferred that, in denying registration to the Church of Scientology of Moscow, the Moscow authorities did not act in good faith and neglected their duty of neutrality and impartiality vis-à-vis the applicant's religious community. In the light of the foregoing, the Court considers that the interference with the applicant's right to freedom of religion and association was not justified. There has therefore been a violation of Article 11 of the Convention read in the light of Article 9." This case is extremely significant because it confirms that the European Court of Human Rights considers that the Church of Scientology, like other faiths in the European Community, is a bona fide religious organization entitled to the same rights under the European Convention on Human Rights as any other religious organization under the Convention. This is not the first time that the Strasbourg organs have recognized the right of a Church of Scientology to exercise the right to freedom of religion for itself and on behalf of its members. The Church of Scientology has previously been before the European Commission on Human Rights in a case that decided that a Church could represent its members to assert their religious rights under Article 9. See, X and Church of Scientology v. Sweden (16 DR 109 [Ecom HR 1979]). The Commission concluded that the Church of Scientology, as "a Church body is capable of possessing and exercising the rights contained in Article 9(1) in its own capacity as a representative of its members." Implicit in this is the corollary conclusion that Scientology is a bona fide religion. Church of Scientology Moscow v. Russia reaffirms and definitively establishes what human rights experts, academics and a numerous national courts have already found: that Scientology is a bona fide religion and the Church of Scientology is a "religious community" entitled to the full panoply of human rights and religious freedom rights that flow to such organizations. Any attempt by governments to treat a Church of Scientology differently cannot withstand scrutiny. Church of Scientology Moscow v. Russia stands as a landmark decision affecting freedom of religion across Europe, as the decision will impact religious rights in all states subject to the European Court of Human Rights. European Parliament Answer given by Mr. Vitorino on behalf of the Commission (written question: E-0775/04) - (29 April 2004) The Commission is not aware of the facts invoked by the Honorable MEP. As regards the refusal of entry visa on their territory imposed by the German authorities to the head of the Unification Church Mr. Moon and to his wife, the Commission underlines that, on the basis of See less »

Tags:

anonymous, scientology

Comments (0)

Add a Comment:

Not a Kaboodler? Join Now, It's Free!

Email:	We will never share your email with anyone, ever.
Screen Name:	For public display. Between 3-25 characters.
Password:	6 or more chatacters.
Birthday:	Why do I need to provide this?
	I have read and agree to the Terms of Service
	Remember me on this computer.

Kaboodle will send you a newsletter and updates from your friends. You can unsubscribe at any time. Kaboodle does not sell or share your email address or personal information with anyone.

Cancel Already a Kaboodler?