SECT IS 'UNCONSTITUTIONAL, INHUMAN AND DANGEROUS'
BY FRANZ SOLMS-LAUBACH
A leading German politician has called for the controversial Scientology sect to be banned
Nearly nine million Germans watched a film by director and author Niki Stein on the ARD channel on Thursday showing the destructive effect Scientology has on the life of its members.
And now Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (53, CSU) has demanded the sect be outlawed, telling BILD that it was “unconstitutional, inhuman and dangerous”.
BILD.de: Mr. Herrmann, you have just presented a report in which you warn about Scientology. How dangerous is the sect?
Joachim Herrmann: Scientology is an inhuman organisation which pursues unconstitutional goals. The theory of Scientology aims at a totalitarian system of rule in which equal human rights do not exist. It would see the better, cleverer and stronger prevail over the weaker. That does not tally with our free democratic society. But of course you must also be aware of the substantial danger to the psychological well-being of people who join the sect.
BILD.de: Why is Scientology unconstitutional?
Herrmann: Scientology wants to eliminate the fundamental rights of individual citizens which hold a high importance in our constitution. The organisation represents the unconditional subordination of the individual under a totalitarian rule system. In that way, personal fundamental rights would be eliminated. That is a fundamental contrast to the Basic Law [of the Federal Republic of Germany].
BILD.de: With which methods and means does Scientology try to get rid of our free democratic constitutional structure?
Herrmann: Scientology tries again and again to catch people in its trap in order to submit them to brainwashing. The aim is for members to totally subscribe to the ideology of the organisation and at the same time completely cut themselves off from their family and friends. Furthermore, Scientology is a gigantic business concern which constantly pursues only the maximisation of its profit. Outwardly the organisation camouflages this tendency, but it naturally tries through its members to gain influence in other enterprises and institutions. That is a substantial risk for us all.
BILD.de: For the first time, ARD broadcast a feature critical of Scientology which contained a warning about the sect’s work. How big is the organisation’s influence in Germany really?
Herrmann: Scientology in Germany has so far not succeeded in gaining a large scale foothold and strong influence on social, political and economic life. That is because of higher awareness in particular. In the USA it is completely different. There, the organisation has almost complete freedom through its acceptance as a religion and church.
BILD.de: In many German states, like Bavaria, Scientology is monitored by the authorities. Should the organisation be banned?
Herrmann: Yes, I would advocate a ban. Scientology is dangerous and has no place in our country.
However there is so far no majority view in favour of a ban on a federal level. Up till that happens, it is only consistent and correct that we in Germany let Scientology be protected by the Constitution.
BILD.de: How would you advise people who have been caught in the sect’s trap but now want to get out?
Herrmann: There are many paths open for people looking to leave. Both the security forces and churches and social institutions offer assistance. Many former members must above all be cared for psychologically and stabilised. I would therefore advise people wanting to leave to look into these methods.
Bild.com
