Scientology: German Court Condemns Hate Campaign by the City of Berlin Against Scientology

Shortly after dark on the evening of January 21, 2009, Berlin city officials placed a kiosk in front of the Berlin Scientology Church urging the public to "STOP SCIENTOLOGY," and containing anti-Scientology propaganda.

The Court found that the City's actions violated the Church of Scientology's right to human dignity under Article 1 of the German Constitution. The Court also found that the City violated the Church's right to religious freedom under Article 4 of the Constitution. In reaching these conclusions, the Court held that the City of Berlin had violated its duty of religious neutrality and its obligation to remain objective on religious matters. The Court also ruled that the City's warning campaign served no justifiable purpose.

City officials were forced to rapidly remove the offensive kiosk.

"The City's actions amount to a hate campaign in complete violation of the law," said Sabine Weber, president of the Church of Scientology of Berlin. "We are happy that the Court has reaffirmed the our right to religious freedom."