Anger as police ban placards branding Scientology a cult
POLICE HAVE been accused of “trampling on basic rights” after ordering protesters to take down banners accusing Scientology of being a cult.
Officers banned the placards during a demonstration against the self-styled church in Glasgow city centre last weekend. Civil liberties campaigners have warned a dangerous precedent is being set for the suppression of free speech.
Strathclyde Police’s intervention follows a similar incident in London last month when a youth was left facing prosecution. The 15-year-old had refused to remove a sign stating “Scientology is not a religion, it is a dangerous cult”.
advertisementHuman rights lawyer John Scott claimed the episodes suggested the church was receiving preferential treatment.
He said: “Scientology is a wealthy organisation with pretty influential people involved. But that doesn’t mean it’s entitled to any more protection from the police – though it does appear that is the reality of the situation.
“This latest incident sets a dangerous precedent and I hope the police do not have to be taken to court for them to accept the right of free speech.”
So, as a roundup, that’s:
- one ban (Glasgow)
- one court summons issued (London)
- one threat of arrest (East Grinstead)
- one ban with threat of arrest if broken (Birmingham)
- initially banned, later reversed (Edinburgh)
All over that little four-letter word. It’s almost as if they sensitive about something…
