Toronto ARSCC Picket Rules

Note: This Advisory is based on original text and layout by David Gerard. It was adapted for Toronto by Gregg Hagglund and Artemis. Last modified: Thursday May 21, 1998.

TO THOSE HERE TO PROTEST AT THE CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY

This leaflet is about suitable behaviour for this demonstration. It's strictly advisory, and won't tell you anything you don't know already; but I think it's worth having on paper, and this leaflet is also suitable for public consumption.

Someone of our number will have had to sign their name to a legal Notice of Demonstration and have filed same with the Metro Toronto Police. It is only common courtesy and sense that you review this advisory.

Please note: Whomever is the 'host' of this demonstration, he/she are not responsible for either your safety or your conduct. We are all present here as independent concerned citizens or residents. We intend to utilise the picketing practise of 'Gandhi Tech.' Totally non-violent and leavened with as much good will and cheer, in general, as possible. We will help you if you are hurt and testify against you if you are hurtful.

Violence from Church representatives or demonstrators is not expected, but has occurred recently.

THE WORLD WIDE PUBLIC CONSENSUS OF THE PURPOSE of these demonstrations is to politely and calmly inform people (general public and Church staff) of our concern at the Church's abusive actions including, amongst many others:

1.The abusive treatment of current and former members.

2.The harassment and 'Fair Game' attacks on former members and critics, including the public, the press and the Judiciary.

3.The bait and switch marketing and 'undue influence' tactics practised upon its members staff and any interested public.

4.The continuing unsubstantiated claims of a genuine scientific basis for its product and medical practices.

5.And copyright terrorism - on and off the Net.

Remember: While any one mythology may be mirthful or maddening to others, it is the methodology and mis-conduct of this 'Church' that draws most of us here to Protest.

We are not here to:

- harass any person for being a Scientologist - they have the firm right to believe whatever they wish to. The external and staff members are generally decent folk who are not responsible for the actions of the upper management who instituted the actions we are protesting.

- get into religious arguments as such. It's easy to argue religious teachings, but that's not the point here.

- restrain any person from leaving or entering the Church premises, or to block entrances or exits at all.

- generally cause trouble or breach public order.

It is expected that Church representatives will, inevitably here as elsewhere, pose as demonstrators and attempt to make us look like troublemakers. The police are expected to be either present or a stones throw away and will deal appropriately with anyone who does breach public order.

Church representatives are expected to:

- photograph and possibly videotape all demonstrators.

- otherwise attempt to intimidate demonstrators.

- question demonstrators on why they are there and who they represent. (Church policy is that all anti- CoS activity is centralised; they don't understand the concept of the individual concerned citizen.)

- attempt to provoke and/or upset demonstrators so as to make the demonstrators react and hence look like troublemakers. ***Stay calm!***

I repeat: Violence from Church representatives is not expected but has occurred recently.

We will be recording in various media as much of the demonstration as possible, for our own security and safety. Should there be trouble, the troublemakers - from either side - will be identifiable.

Cheers,

Signed by Your Host for the day: