-Caveat Lector-
Congress to Prod Germany on Religion
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 (UPI) _ A group of House and Senate members announced
Thursday a resolution that urges Germany to re-examine how it handles
minority religions such as Scientology, whose members can be excluded from
German government jobs and political parties.
The United States has ``been a little weak-kneed'' about putting pressure on
the German government to be more sincere about letting people worship how
they like, said the bill's House sponsor, Rep. Matt Salmon, R-Ariz., a
Mormon who has also worked on religious freedom issues in China.
Salmon added that the documented intolerance against Scientologists and
others in Germany should not be overlooked simply because it is a U. S.
ally.
``This is a human rights issue,'' said Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo. ``An
individual or a group should be allowed to worship in private without public
repercussions.''
State Department and U.N. reports have said Germany allows discrimination
against non-traditional and minority religions. Mormons, charismatic
Christians, Muslims and Sikhs have made complaints.
The German government and German businesses are permitted to screen job
applicants for membership in the Church of Scientology, a controversial
group founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard that claims several
Hollywood luminaries among its ranks. Some have labeled the church a cult.
The resolution calls on the German government to prevent further
discrimination, according to international agreements, and to open a
dialogue with minority religious groups.
Salmon introduced a similar measure in 1998, but it was defeated soundly on
the House floor.
American Scientologists have faced discrimination in Germany, too, as jazz
musician Chick Corea had concerts canceled because of his affiliation with
Scientology, and films featuring Tom Cruise and John Travolta _ both members
of the Scientology religion _ have faced boycotts. The resolution holds
Germany ``responsible for protecting the right of freedom of religion or
belief of United States citizens.''
Actress Anne Archer, a Scientologist who has addressed officials in Europe
and elsewhere on religious freedom, represented Hollywood at Thursday's
Capitol Hill event.
``If we do not insist that democratic governments abide by their human
rights commitments, then we will be ignored when we try to remedy abuses by
totalitarian regimes,'' said Archer, who has starred in films such as
``Patriot Games'' and ``Fatal Attraction.'' _-
Copyright 1999 by United Press International.
All rights reserved. _- By JOE WARMINSKY
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