FORMER members of the Church of Scientology have made explosive allegations about forced abortions, child abuse and financial extortion, prompting calls for a parliamentary inquiry. Letters tabled by independent senator Nick Xenophon reveal claims of vulnerable people preyed on by a coercive and ruthless organisation that punished and shamed dissenters by physical incarceration, withholding food or intimidation. But the Church of Scientology hit back, arguing the claims came from seven ''disgruntled former members who use hate speech and distorted accounts of ...

Odenwald Critical Of Campisi's 3 Absences Claims Campisi's missed votes on Lambert smoking ban has essentially killed the bill by Kevin Murphy December 15, 2006 St. Louis County Councilman Kurt Odenwald claims that Councilman John Campisi's recent absences from three consecutive council meetings are more than just coincidences. As a result of Campisi's no-show, Odenwald said his bill to ban smoking at Lambert Field, legislation co-sponsored by Campisi, is essentially dead. The Shrewsbury councilman said he had the four votes necessary ...

SCIENTOLOGY - the mystery-shrouded religion that came under intense official attack in Victoria - has launched a massive comeback campaign. The faith's leader, L. Ron Hubbard, has ordered wide-scale expansion throughout Australia. He has told his Australian followers: "There's no reason not to create a wildfire expansion in Australia now. "Disseminate more. Train more. Audit more." The Observer has obtained some of the personal letters and orders which Hubbard has issued to his Australian officials. They clearly indicate the faith's determination ...

THE Federal Attorney-General, Senator Murphy, said yesterday he thought requirements on the Government to recognise religious bodies should be dropped. He told the Senate he thought the system was "bad" and "unhealthy," and the relevant clauses should be taken off the statute books. The former Attorney-General, Senator Ivor Greenwood (Lib, Vic) asked if Senator Murphy was aware of a report on the practice of Scientology, prepared by Mr K. Anderson, QC, now a judge of the Victorian Supreme Court. He said ...

CANBERRA. — A Labor Government would recognise Scientology, the Church of the New Faith, the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate (Senator Murphy) said yesterday. The church for instance would have powers to conduct marriage ceremonies under Commonwealth law, Senator Murphy said. "Under the constitution, all religions are entitled to equal treatment," he said. "Whether churches are big or small, orthodox or unorthodox, they are intitled to equal treatment." The South Australian Government will legislate during the present session of ...