Scientology in France

A Scientology building in Marseille, France
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The Church of Scientology of France is organized as a group of secular nonprofit organizations.[1] France is a secular state, which protects the rights of citizens to practice their religion. Although citizens can form religious associations based on the 1905 French law on the Separation of the Churches and the State, which grants certain benefits, the Church of Scientology of France is instead organized into secular associations based on a 1901 law regarding nonprofit groups.[2]

A 1995 parliamentary report lists Scientology as a cult,[3][4] and Scientology has since been under the watch of MIVILUDES and its predecessors (Observatoire interministériel sur les sectes and interministérielle de lutte contre les sectes).[5][6] In its 2006 report MIVILUDES classified Scientology as a dangerous cult.[7]

Seven officials from the Church of Scientology in France have been convicted of crimes such as embezzlement, and contribution to suicide.[8]

  1. ^ Chayet, Delphine (22 February 2008). "Comment la Scientologie cherche à recruter en France" [How Scientology seeks to recruit in France]. Le Figaro (in French). Archived from the original on 20 August 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  2. ^ Gonnet, Roger (1998). La secte : secte armée pour la guerre : chronique d'une "religion" commerciale à irresponsabilité illimitée [The sect: sect armed for war: chronicle of a commercial “religion” with unlimited irresponsibility] (in French). Alban Éditions. ISBN 9782911751042.
  3. ^ "Le point sur l'Eglise de Scientologie" [Update on the Church of Scientology] (in French). Le Nouvel Observateur. 25 May 2009. Archived from the original on 6 February 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  4. ^ "Rapport d'enquête n°2468 de l'Assemblée nationale" [Investigation report no. 2468 of the National Assembly] (in French). 22 December 1995. Archived from the original on 3 May 2007.
  5. ^ "Rapport N° 1687 MILS 1999 : Fait au nom de la commission d'enquete sur la situation financiere, patrimoniale et fiscale des sectes, ainsi que sur leurs activites" [Report on behalf of the investigation commission on the financial, asset and tax situation of the sects, as well as on their activities] (PDF) (in French). 10 June 1999. Archived (PDF) from the original on 22 November 2010. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  6. ^ Rico, Anne-Gaëlle (2 February 2012). ""Une condamnation historique" contre l'Eglise de scientologie" ["A historic condemnation" against the Church of Scientology] (in French). Le Monde. Archived from the original on 26 April 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  7. ^ "Report to the Prime Minister 2006 : Interministerial Mission of Vigilance and Combat against Sectarian Aberrations (official translation from French)" (PDF). MIVILUDES. 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 August 2007.
  8. ^ Henley, Jon (1 June 2001). "France arms itself with legal weapon to fight sects". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 30 October 2007.