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July 25, 2008 5:07:14 PM CDT

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German Leaders Reject Scientology Ban

Posted Aug 8, 07 1:30 PM CDT in World,  Arts & Living 

(Newser) – German leaders say they won't press for a ban on Scientology—not because they're against it, but because they don't think it would succeed. The German government officially considers the organization a cult, Der Spiegel reports, but politicians from both major parties say that they probably don't have enough evidence to take their case to court.

Officials in Hamburg have agitated for a ban, but national pols say they're just being pragmatic. The domestic intelligence organization hasn't gathered enough info on Scientology to move forward, says a conservative PM. "You can't shoot from the hip with a bid to ban it. If an attempt is made it has to be successful," he says.

Source Der Spiegel

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The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre 36th Anniversary Gala   (Getty Images)
The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre 36th Anniversary Gala   (Getty Images)
A Scientology funded anti-psychiatry demonstration in Edinburgh, Scotland, June 2005. An alternative to psychiatry is one of Scientology's most fundamental recruitment selling points.   (Wikimedia Commons)
A young person is tested for potential benefit from Scientology in an underground subway station.   ((c) Del Far)
Germany. A Scientology Church Opens In Berlin to immediate protest.   (Getty Images (by Event))
Science fiction author and Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard contemplates the universe around him.   (Archive Photos)
A Scientology funded anti-psychiatry demonstration in Edinburgh, Scotland, June 2005. An alternative to psychiatry is one of Scientology's most fundamental recruitment selling points.   (Wikimedia Commons)
A young person is tested for potential benefit from Scientology in an underground subway station.   ((c) Del Far)
Scientology Church Opens In Berlin   (Getty Images (by Event))
L Ron Hubbard   (Archive Photos)
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