Church of Scientology seeks 'ban' against HIV+ protesters

[---]

Church of Scientology seeks 'ban' against HIV+ protesters

By John Leyden • Get more from this author

Posted in Law, 15th January 2009 10:39 GMT


Opponents of the Church of Scientology have accused the controversial organisation of attempting to ban a pair of HIV-positive protesters.

Lawyers acting for Scientology are allegedly using medical information about two protesters picketing a Scientology facility near Hemet, California in an attempt to prevent the duo's attendance at further demos. The two protesters Angry Gay Pope and Happy Smurf, a former Scientologist, are contesting the legal action, which would prevent them protesting at the important facility (known internally as Gold Base). The pair, both openly gay, have the representation of attorney Graham Berry.

The ongoing battle between the Church of Scientology and the loosely-affiliated Anonymous collective has seen an explosion in protests over the last year. Scientologists have allegedly used false reports to the police, physical attacks and loudspeakers to curtail or frustrate protests at Gold Base.

The Scientologists' legal petition against the protesters alleges that they pose a "threat" to the wellbeing of 500 Scientology workers. Critics portray the move as a continuation of the organisation's hostility to homosexuality, which has included claims that it is able to "cure homosexuality" and providing financial support for Proposition 8, a law in California that bans the marriage of homosexual couples.

In a statement issued by the Anonymous collective, the group described the group's latest anti-protest tactics as "downright sickening, illegal, and an insult to members of the LGBT community and HIV patients worldwide".

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/01/15/sc..._protester_ban/

Anonymous celebrates first anniversary of Scientology protests


Still plugging away

By John Leyden • Get more from this author

Posted in Law, 6th January 2009 11:29 GMT


Bemasked protest group Anonymous is marking the first anniversary of its campaign against the Church of Scientology with a round of further demos.

The group will hold the 12th of its monthly protests against the Cruise-favoured organisation on 10 January, with others taking place on 17 January.

Anonymous is a loosely-affiliated group seeking to dismantle the Church of Scientology by exposing what it claims are the "corrupt and abusive practices" of organised Scientology through a series of internet-driven demos under the banner of Project Chanology.

The group traces its genesis back to the 4chan discussion board and anger generated by the Church of Scientology's attempts to pull an infamous video clip, featuring Tom Cruise energetically expounding upon the supposed benefits of Scientology during a Church awards ceremony.

February 2008 marked the start of a ongoing series of non-violent, monthly protests, both online and outside Scientology offices and centres. Some in the wider anti-Scientology movement have criticised some of the tactics deployed during Protect Chanology, which have included denial of service attacks on Scientology websites and nuisance phone calls.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/01/06/an...st_anniversary/

[Hans Olo]

Why would they want to join Scientology in the first place? I mean, being HIV positive and all you have money problems already built in, so I don't get it. Why join an organization that sucks the very life out of you? But that's not even the issue here, Scientology is a private club, and if they chose to exclude HIV positive patients or anyone, who has a right to interfere? It's none of our business.