Scientology is not a traditional religion, its hierarchal structures and flows of capital give it the nature of a business. Banning it will result in closing of scientology centres and restriction on flows of income and information, preventing new converts and gradually reducing the numbers of "underground" supporters. On top of this using information campaigns and disillusionment would be a good strategy for unethical businesses or government policy; however scientology has a history of harassing those who initiate these campaigns against them as well as censoring arguments against them thus discouraging ongoing debate.

Female Genital Mutilation is also something that is a minority practice. As is cannibalism. There are some standards that can be understood and held together on the basis of a prevailing majority belief that works or is cohesive enough, in a utilatarian way, to keep society together. Scientology causes harm and dupes people - like many other cults. Such irrational beliefs exist in all religions; but that isn't an excuse for this particular one to be acceptable. As was said by Bertrand Russell^[1], that following a multitude into doing evil is bad; but stopping a multitude from doing good is worse. There is no inherent value in allowing Scientology merely because a minority follows it. And since it causes harm as argued above, it should be banned. There is no tyranny of the majority or otherwise in reasonable exercise of power in the search for wider happiness and efficiency.

1. ^ Russell, Marriage and Morals, 1929

First and foremost, it is not a religion recognized by any conventional legal means. Lord Denning, a celebrated House of Lords justices said "No, this can't be seen as a religion under any circumstances". And this is coming from the same court that found the Moonies to be a accepted religion.

It is all very well for people in the Scientology persuasion to gather, but its persistence in trying to get religion status is damaging the very fabric of the legal system. As a religion status in this country means the group can enjoy tax benefits and support from the government.

Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights provides a right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This includes the freedom to change a religion or belief, and to manifest a religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance, subject to certain restrictions that are "in accordance with law" and "necessary in a democratic society". Though people are free to believe Scientology, when it starts to burden anyone associated with it, that is when a definitive line needs to be drawn.

My learned friend on the right ---> seems to think it is fine as long as "those who are not members" are not harmed, and it is a personal autonomy. But would you have the same thoughts on Drugs? Drugs are banned because it is anti social, damaging to health and can have harmful effects on the people around users.

Scientologists are encourage to cut out those non believers from their lives and harrasses anyone who has a negative view towards them as a result many families have been broken. We should not condone a group that encourages this kind of behavior.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6650545.stm

There is already religious intollerance in all countries- but at least most conventional religions are somewhat believable- Jesus lived, Mohammed lived etc. Scientology has no basis.If you're going to persecute a religion, persecute the most inane.

Who the fuck believes in this shit, anyway? It's a mockery of religion, pretty much one guy said, well I can be like mohammad and jesus, and make a following. They did it why not me? Its garbage. They cant accept that what they do is ridiculous in every aspect of what they believe in. Scientology didnt save Jet, Scientology doesn't make tom cruise look cool. Its a bogus religion and the money people give to the church should be invested in a church of starwars and startrek combined.