© Eric Phillips
These amendments were approved against the opinion of the government itself, and elicited strong reactions by human rights organizations and the mainline churches (Catholic and Protestant). As a result, Justice Minister Elizabeth Guigou (no friend of the "cults" and author of an earlier strong-worded anti-cult circular letter to courts) called for a "pause" and a re-examination before the law is approved by the Senate. In the French Senate anti-cult feelings are stronger than in the Assembly; the government, however, should be able to delay the vote.
Comment: The protestations of the mainline churches are disingenuous to say the least given their organisations' roles in fostering and funding this witch hunt against people seeking answers outside their domain. This immoral French law reads like a modern-day Ten Commandments from the same psychopathological 'God' the forebears of today's elite priesthood created to terrorise humanity with.
The draft law contains 11 articles derived in part from several former proposals, including the one by Senator About.
The main features of the draft law are as follows:
1. Article 1 provides for the dissolution of a corporation or association whose activities "have the goal or effect to create or to exploit the state of mental or physical dependance of people who are participating in its activities" and which infringe "human rights and fundamental liberties", when this association, or it managers (or de facto managers) have been convicted "several times" (how many times is not specified) for offenses such as fraud, illegal practice of medicine, and several other criminal offenses. The introduction makes it clear that this combination of mind control, infringement of "human rights", and "several" criminal convictions is the definition of a "sect" or "cult" now regarded as legally workable.
The procedure of dissolution is judicial and can be introduced in front of a civil court by the local prosecutor or by any person which has an interest in the matter (including, apparently, anti-cultists).
Comment: Thou shalt not explain to thy fellow citizens that dietary changes are key to a fulfilling life.
2. Articles 2 to 5 create a corporate criminal liability for corporations or associations falling under Article 1 in cases where only personal liability existed.
Comment: Thou shalt not organise thyselves.
3. Article 6 is punishing any person which participates in the reconstitution of a corporation or association which has been dissolved with 3 year prison term and a Francs 300,000 fine. Article 7 calls for the renewed dissolution of an association which has been refounded after a first dissolution.
Comment: Thou shalt not disobey this law.
4. Article 8 forbids the set up of any offices, seat, church, advertisement or advertising activity by sects (i.e. the associations and groups defined as per Article 1) in the perimeter of 200 m (as amended by the Assembly) from a hospital, a retirement house, a public or private institution of prevention, curing or caring, or any school from 2 to 18 year old students. If this interdiction is violated, the sentence is 2 years of imprisonment and a Francs 200,000 fine and the corporation or association can be condemned itself. Cults or sects (as defined above) may also be denied building permissions or licenses by the cities.
Comment: Thou shalt not help others.
5. Article 9 is punishing any promotion or propaganda done by an association or group falling under Article 1 "intended for young people" (age not defined) under penalty of a Franc 50,000 fine, applicable to both individuals and associations.
Comment: Thou shalt not share information with fellow citizens.
6. Article 10 is establishing the new crime of mental manipulation "Mental manipulation" (in fact "brainwashing", although this term is not used) is defined as any activity or activities "with the goal or the effect to create or to exploit the state of mental or physical dependence of people who are participating in the group's activities and to infringe human rights and fundamental liberties; to exert repeated efforts in order to create or exploit this state of dependence and to drive the person, against its will or not, to an act or an abstention with is heavily prejudicial to him or her". The penalty is 2 years of imprisonment and a fine of Francs 200,000 If the victim is particularly weak due to its age, illness etc..the penalty is 5 year and Francs 500,000. Following the amendments by the Assembly, court cases may be brought by anti-cult organizations, who will participate as parties in the case and may collect damages from the cults.
Comment: Thou shalt not minister to the needy and vulnerable.
Penalties will apply to associations as well as to individuals.
See full text of the draft law in French (not including Assembly amendments voted on June 22, 2000)
Any country that legislates against a form of religious expression (such as banning the veil for moslem women chosing to wear it), is most likely capable of much, much worse.