This weekend, as Scientologists celebrate the birthday of cult founder L. Ron Hubbard, critics of the cult's abusive and fraudulent practices will be picketing Scientology organizations around the world.
In a landmark 1984 decision against Hubbard and Scientology, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Paul G. Breckenridge, Jr. stated:
"In addition to violating and abusing its own members civil rights, the organization over the years with its "Fair Game" doctrine has harassed and abused those persons not in the Church whom it perceives as enemies. The organization clearly is schizophrenic and paranoid, and this bizarre combination seems to be a reflection of its founder [L. Ron Hubbard]. The evidence portrays a man who has been virtually a pathological liar when it comes to his history, background and achievements. The writings and documents in evidence additionally reflect his egoism, greed, avarice, lust for power, and vindictiveness and aggressiveness against persons perceived by him to be disloyal or hostile."
(Scientology v. Gerald Armstrong, Case No. C 420153)
This decision was affirmed by the California Court of Appeal in 1991. (Scientology v. Armstrong, 232 Cal.App. 3d 1060, 283 Cal.Rptr. 917)
Hubbard spelled out his Fair Game philosophy for treatment of his organization's "enemies." "ENEMY - ... Fair game. May be deprived of property or injured by any means by any Scientologist...May be tricked, sued, or lied to or destroyed." (Hubbard Scientology Policy Letter October 18, 1967)
People of good will around the world are picketing Scientology to protest its Fair Game doctrine, its false promises, its fraudulent practices, and its financial, psychological, physical and civil rights abuses.
We call on Scientologists of good will to demand that their leaders tell the truth about L. Ron Hubbard, tell the truth about attacks on people with legitimate criticisms of organization abuses, and tell the truth about Fair Game. If Scientology's leaders will not tell the truth about these matters Scientologists should refuse their leadership.
We call on Scientology's leaders to communicate openly and civilly about Fair Game, about fraud and about organization abuses so that these unwholesome and dangerous practices can be peacefully ended.