March 1, 2004

U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT REPORT CRITICIZES GERMANY, FRANCE AND BELGIUM FOR DISCRIMINATION AGAINST SCIENTOLOGISTS

The U.S. State Department's 2003 Country Report on Human Rights Practices criticizes the German, French and Belgium governments for discrimination against the Churches of Scientology and other religious organizations. At the same time, the Report notes that a German court declared the Church of Scientology to be a religious community and that several German states have ceased their surveillance of Scientologists.

In France, the State Department finds that the Church has been the target of "societal discrimination" and "frivolous lawsuits." The report also criticizes the Belgian government for creating "guilt by association" against bona fide religious organizations by its broadbrush actions against minority faiths.

"The State Department Report isolates the states of Bavaria and Hamburg as the prime instigators of the continuing discrimination against Scientologists in Germany," said Leisa Goodman, Human Rights Director of the Church of Scientology International. "We are continuing to work with the State Department to establish dialogue with government officials in all three countries to end the discrimination and intolerance against our members."