Scientology Asks Supreme Court to Enforce Religious Arbitration in Danny Masterson Case

[mercuryblues]

The Church of Scientology has asked the Supreme Court to enforce a religious arbitration agreement that would bar Danny Masterson’s sexual assault accusers from suing the church for allegedly stalking and harassing them.

In a petition filed on Tuesday, the church asked the court to overturn a California Court of Appeal ruling, which held that the women could not be bound by the arbitration agreement because they had left the church.

“The Opinion weaponizes the First Amendment against religious freedom, holding that the First Amendment requires limitations applicable only to religious — and not to secular — arbitration agreements,” the church argued.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/scientology-asks-supreme-court-to-enforce-religious-arbitration-in-danny-masterson-case/ar-AAZSrqE?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=f28482303e6946eb88e0b31f3222df8c

Will the Supremes force victims to negotiate with their alleged rapist and harassers? or is it just their version of Christianity that gets favorable rulings?

[HAB911]

1. This might very well test their commitment

to actual "religious liberty"

[catbyte]

2. I still can't believe the IRS actually granted this cockamamie cult religious

exemption status. What a scam, and an evil one. Actually, I have a problem with a lot of churches being exempted, especially the MAGAt ones, but YMMV.

[Xolodno]

9. It was long and systemic.

They tailed and investigated everyone of importance in the IRS. Had an affair? They knew. Went to a strip club? They knew. A swinger? They knew. Financial problems? They knew.

And then used that knowledge against them and destroyed many lives. So when newer leadership saw it happen, they figured to just give them the exemption and wash there hands of this.

I've read some accounts and watched a few shows on how they operate. I think other intelligence agencies in the world took notes.

And here is the kicker. They are claiming to be a religion without being a religion. Christian? Muslim? Jewish? Hindu? Buddhist? etc. No problem, its all compatible with their "system". They stylize themselves as a "self help" group. But its a full blown cult.

[stopdiggin]

3. arbitration agreements are odious and obnoxious

(and possibly demonstrate a fundamental problem as far as 'rights',)

But it's also difficult to see where they should be less enforceable - because of religious belief (or lack thereof) on the part of litigants. If I leave a company - non-disclosure and non-compete are still enforceable agreements. Right?

On the other hand - trying to cloak harassment, threats and stalking - under 'arbitration' is perhaps enough of a contortion as to win the day.

[mercuryblues]

5. my understanding is they

can't be enforced or used to cover up a crime.


The question is basically. I quit and organization. Then people in that organization harassed, threatened and committed crimes against me. Now they claim I have no rights based on a document I signed as a member. They are using their status as a church to cover up and commit crimes.

If they rule in Scientology's favor think about how it will impact child abuse cases within churches.

[stopdiggin]

7. my own interpretation here

is that this has zero to do with religious affiliation (or organization). The salient point is whether 'arbitration' applies, or does not. If it is wrong on the part of a secular organization - then it is equally wrong on the part of a religious one. (and vice versa) And I only wish that the original ruling had made this clearer.

(unfortunately - the reality is that our 'courts' have for a long time - given far too much latitude to religious belief and, by extension, organization - and we are only getting worse as time goes on.)

[mercuryblues]

8. I agree with you

Non-disclosure agreements cannot be used to cover up a crime. I feel that the arbitration agreements be held to the same standard. They should not be used to force victims into negotiations with the alleged abusers. Even if you are a church.

[50 Shades Of Blue]

4. They will support Scientology, because the people bringing the case against them are women.

[mercuryblues]

6. +!