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Scientology hearings end

Title: Scientology hearings end
Date: Tuesday, 11 May 1982
Publisher: Clearwater Times (Florida)
Main source: news.google.com
Alternate and/or complementary: link (67 KiB)

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The Clearwater City Commission's Scientology hearings ended Monday with searing criticism from the church and a vow from commissioners that their efforts to regulate Scientology have only begun.

Church lawyer Paul B. Johnson told commissioners they had conducted a biased "Roman circus" that has unjustly Scientology hearings end "embarrassed and scandalized" Scientology across the country.

Though the city had offered the church four days to rebut witnesses and documents presented by Boston lawyer Michael J. Flynn, Johnson announced that the church would present no witnesses. "I don't intend to be a part of these proceedings because I don't believe it would be a fair hearing," Johnson said.

Flynn responded with a closing statement promising commissioners that the attempt to curb alleged Scientology abuses will not be futile. "There can be something done," he said.

While praising Flynn's work in presenting evidence, commissioners were mindful of the legal battles they face if they pass ordinances he has recommended concerning charitable solicitation and consumer. protection.

"This is only the beginning," said Commissioner Rita Garvey. "We've got a long ways to go."

Details on all of these developments are in a story on Page 1-B.