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Director Haggis Quits Scientology Over Prop 8

Crash auteur shames church with letter denouncing gay marriage stance

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 26, 2009 8:00 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Oscar-winning writer-director Paul Haggis dealt a stunning blow to Scientology when his recent resignation letter went public. Haggis, writer of Crash and Million Dollar Baby, left Scientology after 35 years thanks to the church’s backing of California’s Proposition 8, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Haggis was also angered by a church spokesperson lying about Scientology’s “disconnection” policy. From the letter:

  • "Their public sponsorship of Proposition 8, a hate-filled legislation that succeeded in taking away the civil rights of gay and lesbian citizens of California—rights that were granted them by the Supreme Court of our state—shames us."
  • "I saw you deny the church’s policy of disconnection. You said straight-out there was no such policy, that it did not exist. I was shocked. We all know this policy exists. I didn’t have to search for verification—I didn’t have to look any further than my own home. To see you lie so easily, I am afraid I had to ask myself: what else are you lying about?"
  • "After writing this letter, I am fully aware that some of my friends may choose to no longer associate with me, or in some cases work with me."

Paul Haggis and his wife Deborah Rennard arrive for the screening of the movie In the Valley of Elah at the 33rd American Film Festival in Deauville, Normandy, France, Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007.
Paul Haggis and his wife Deborah Rennard arrive for the screening of the movie " In the Valley of Elah" at the 33rd American Film Festival in Deauville, Normandy, France, Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007.   (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)
Paul Haggis arrives with his two Oscars at Crown Royal and Tab Energy Drink's Cool Down Post Award Season Party at the Beverly Towers Penthouse on March 6, 2006 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Paul Haggis arrives with his two Oscars at Crown Royal and Tab Energy Drink's Cool Down Post Award Season Party at the Beverly Towers Penthouse on March 6, 2006 in Los Angeles, Calif.   (Getty Images)
Director Paul Haggis arrives at a screening for the DVD box set release of the Dirty Harry film franchise on Thursday, May 29, 2008, in Los Angeles.
Director Paul Haggis arrives at a screening for the DVD box set release of the "Dirty Harry" film franchise on Thursday, May 29, 2008, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Chris Weeks)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 32 comments
I_hate_to_say
Oct 27, 2009 7:04 AM CDT
It's the first I've heard about Scientology funding Prop 8 -- the Mormon Church was given lots of grief over it. Was there some conspiracy of silence in the media?
Observer
Oct 27, 2009 6:14 AM CDT
This guy wakes up after 35 years. Duh! I think he's just confused because his wife has been pummeling him with those gigantic breasts for too long.
hamsammichs
Oct 27, 2009 4:29 AM CDT
well what i'm saying is that it should be that way. not that it has to be, but that it is kind of the point. for most religions, you are born that way and you're supposed to die that way.

 
entertainment • gay marriage • Scientology • celebrity • Paul Haggis • Proposition 8 • religious beliefs • Paul Haggis scientology

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