The content of this document is in the public domain.
This document was freely distributed, without charge, by members of the 'Church' of Scientology(tm) Toronto Org. This was done by them, indiscriminately, to any and all members of the public who happened by the site of our protest at 696 to 700 Yonge Street, in Toronto Ontario, Canada, on May 10, 1997.
The religion of Scientology fully supports freedom of speech. We belief as Mr. Hubbard wrote that "man is basically good." However, we decry the irresponsible use of that freedom to promote hatred and intolerance towards any individual or group including ourselves. A society can only go so far as it has responsible members.
The organizer of today's protest, William Hagglund, has publicly stated that Scientologists "should be dealt with as wolves are." This unblemished hatred is freely promoted on the Internet.
Like the now-defunct U.S.-based Cult Awareness Network which was found culpable by a Washington State jury for the kidnapping and deprogramming of a young Christian man and awarded him almost $5 million in damages, Mr. Hagglund also promotes himself as an "exit counsellor." By spreading biased and misleading information with the pretence of impartiality, he hopes to make a career for himself in the "Enlightened Self Interest Council for World Harmony," a business he set up.
Deprogrammers, such as those associated with the Cult Awareness Network, after creating fear and mistrust in families, bilk them for thousands of dollars in fees to "rescue" their loved ones by kidnapping and worse.
The United Nations Declaration on Human Rights, Declaration on the Elimination of all Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief as well as the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms are quite clear that Canadians and Scientologists have the rights to freely hold and practice their religious beliefs without discrimination or threat.
"Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have a religion or whatever belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching."
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assembled by Gregg Hagglund (elrond@cgo.wave.ca) Last modified: Monday October 20, 1997.
