Xenophon won't give up on Scientologists

12 May 2010, 1:03 pm   -   Source: AAP
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Xenophon previously failed in an attempt to have parliament approve a public benefit test to assess the aims and activities of entities receiving tax exemptions. (File Getty)

Xenophon previously failed in an attempt to have parliament approve a public benefit test to assess the aims and activities of entities receiving tax exemptions. (File Getty)

Independent senator Nick Xenophon has vowed not to give up on his quest to call the controversial Church of Scientology to task over taxes.

Independent senator Nick Xenophon has vowed not to give up on his quest to bring the controversial Church of Scientology to task over tax exemptions.

He failed in an attempt to have parliament approve a public benefit test to assess the aims and activities of entities receiving tax exemptions.

On Wednesday, the Senate voted 28-6 to reject the move, his third attempt to have parliament act on the church.

"A public benefit test currently exists in the United Kingdom and this amendment would introduce a similar process here," Senator Xenophon said.

"It seems only fair that an entity must meet this public benefit test if it's to be propped up ... by the Australian taxpayer."

Senator Xenophon told other senators that he would be relentless in pursuing a just outcome for the victims of Scientology.

Scientology had been variously accused of criminal behaviour, coercing abortions, stalking, transcending child labour laws and unconscionable treatment of members who were charged hundreds of thousands of dollars for their courses, he said.

Senator Xenophon said he wasn't about to give up despite the latest defeat.

"This is an issue that will not go away. Too many people have been hurt by this organisation."

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Interesting

Tina Wade - from Chicago, 1 year

I'm not saying I'm for or against Scientology but how are they different from every single other religion in existence? They push their ideas on their followers and take their money. That sounds a lot like many of the Catholic churches I attended as a child.

Go Nick! Don't give up!

atheist - from hell, 2 years ago

I certainly want to know what Scientology is doing with my tax ! Don't we all? Go Nick : ) !!!!!!!!!! Wooo hoooo !!! xoxo

just another cult

Debi - from QLD, 2 years ago

God crimes are the worst crimes on the face of the earth.
Manipulating people to do "God's will"? shattered families, harmed children, dead children.
When will the govt set a standard for acceptable religious behaviour and stop hiding behind the constitution?
The right to practice religious belief is not a green light to exploit child abuse laws and other legislations.
About time the govt took responsibility for its tolerance and allowance of such cults and for its funding of them.

Find out yourself

Nikolai - from London, 2 years ago

People should find out for themselves. Call your local organisation of the church and ask the questions. Don't bother with the web. Get from the church, and back off from asking the tough questions.

Disagree to Agree

Alex - from Sydney, 2 years ago

People who don't want you to do or know or find out about Scientology are doing it for whose benefit? It is not possible that it could be the average person's benefit. The might say "we're doing it for their own good!", "The people should know!" etc, but they must think the "people" are idiots who can't think for themselves. Since when does someone tell you.. 1) What to believe in. 2) Who you may or may not involve yourself with. 3) How you should spend your money. Find out for yourself.

Sci Fi

Julie - from Sydney, 2 years ago

Hail Xenu, evil intergalactic alien lord of Scientology!

Get a real problem

harry - from hawthorn, 2 years ago

Get over it, Xenaphon, and find a real issue to worry about. As for your tax being wasted, Debbie, it gets wasted on a lot worse things than Scientology.

?

Jim - from Sydney, 2 years ago

Why is this even being reported by media? So boring news. Maybe Xenophone should stop wasting my money.

Hooray for Xenophon

Rodney Hinds - from Amarillo, Texas, U.S.A., 2 years ago

Senator Xenophon's actions will give others courage to put a stop to religion's stanglehold on governments around the globe.

Open Your Eyes

johnalexwood - from United Kingdom, 2 years ago

Nick - the exact opposite is true; too many people have been HELPED by this organisation on so many levels, such as personal counselling; at times of disaster such as Haiti, 9/11 and the Tsunami (Scientology Volunteer Ministers); drug education and prevention www.drugfreeworld.org; also www.humanrights.org; drug rehab (Narconon); Criminal reform (Criminon); literacy campaigns and moral guidance www.twth.org. How come you choose to ignore all of these humanitarian activities of the C of S?

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