Sen. Xenophon calls for "cult watchdog" agency

[mnql1]

Call for agency watch on cults

Call for agency watch on cults

by Catherine Hockley, in Canberra
The Advertiser
April 15, 2011

A "CULT-busting" agency must be set up to investigate groups who exploit "vulnerable individuals".

South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon will today call for a dedicated government agency to be set up to "monitor and control the activities of cults in Australia".

He will also call for law reform to protect "vulnerable individuals from cult activities", and for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to investigate protections.

Mr Xenophon said the "cult watchdog" would be based on French agency MIVILUDES, which was established a decade ago.

"MIVILUDES has received bipartisan support, and has provided assistance and support to those affected by cults," Mr Xenophon said. "There is evidence that cult-like behaviour in France has been significantly curtailed by the existence of such a watchdog."

"These organisations, which invariably receive tax-free status, offer books, courses, seminars and other so-called educational programs, often at enormous cost, with questionable value or benefits," he said.

The Government has expressed doubts over its constitutional powers to introduce a watchdog body.


Nick Xenophon in pensive mood at Parliament House in Canberra.
Picture: Kym Smith Source: The Advertiser

[Emma]

I love Nick Xenophon.

I just do. :D

[Jump]

That would be a great thing. At present there is nobody to complain to about harmful practices of groups disguised as a 'religion'.

At present we know what some cult-like groups can too easily get away with.

Great work Senator Xenophon, keep at it!

[namaste]

Call for agency watch on cults

by Catherine Hockley, in Canberra
The Advertiser
April 15, 2011

A "CULT-busting" agency must be set up to investigate groups like Scientology who exploit "vulnerable individuals".

South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon will today call for a dedicated government agency to be set up to "monitor and control the activities of cults like Scientology in Australia".

He will also call for law reform to protect "vulnerable individuals from cult activities" like those of the Church of Scientology, and for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to investigate protections.

Mr Xenophon said the "cult watchdog" would be based on French agency MIVILUDES, which was established a decade ago.

"MIVILUDES has received bipartisan support, and has provided assistance and support to those affected by cults like Scientology," Mr Xenophon said. "There is evidence that cult-like behaviour in France where Scientology was whacked has been significantly curtailed by the existence of such a watchdog."

"These organisations like Scientology, which invariably receive tax-free status, offer books, courses, seminars and other so-called educational programs, often at enormous cost, with questionable value or benefits," he said.

The Government has expressed doubts over its constitutional powers to introduce a watchdog body.

f'xd

[Alanzo]

More products from the Aussie critics.

[ChuckNorrisCutsMyLawn]

Absolutely if cults can use the government to shield them under the umbrella of religious freedom then the government should be responsible to shield the public from them.

[Infinite]

L E G E N D

[sarahinzurich]

I bet the CoS is digging real hard into Xenophon's background to find some dirt. I just hope they don't manage to shut him up, like they did to Bob Minton. I'm sure OSA is working overtime right now, trying to creat a little "Xenophon Freakout".

[shadow]

Nick is doin' it right!

I love to see abuse under scrutiny; especially when that abuse is cloaked in religion and has special tax privileges.

[Daisy]

Thank you Sen Xenophon and all the Aussies who helped make this happen.