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Letter: Scientology ban helps democracy

The Independent, 13 January 1997

By TOBIAS SCHUMACHER


Sir: 

To compare Germany's stance on Scientology with the Nazi persecution of
Jews, as several Hollywood stars did, does no justice to modern Germany
(reports, 10 and 11 January). 

The reason for the opposition to Scientology is the same reason that
Communists cannot become civil servants, and why there is now discussion
on whether civil servants who are Freemasons should have to declare their
affiliation. 

The purpose is to prevent nepotism and the undermining of a working
democracy by secretive, possibly undemocratic organisations. When the
Nazis seized power, it was facilitated by the existence of a democracy
which permitted its very opponents to form groups and even become members
of parliament. Germany's post-war constitution has recognised this fault
and established a 'strong' democracy, one that can indeed be intolerant
when its very root, the open democratic process, is endangered. 

TOBIAS SCHUMACHER 
London W14

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