Legitimate Examples of 'Fair Game' in Scientology Debunked

In the annals of controversial organizations, few have garnered as much scrutiny and court cases as the Church of Scientology. One of the most notorious doctrines in the organization is the concept of 'Fair Game' which has been widely criticized for perpetuating abuse and malice. This article delves into the details of the concept, its implementation, and the court cases that have challenged and ultimately debunked the legitimacy of 'Fair Game' in Scientology.

Understanding the Concept of 'Fair Game'

The doctrine of 'Fair Game' was introduced by the Church of Scientology as a justification for conflict and hostility towards individuals considered enemies of the group. Those deemed 'fair game' were to be subjected to harassment, physical violence, and various forms of subterfuge without legal repercussions. This dangerous ideology has been a significant factor in numerous human rights abuses and wrongful practices.

Case Studies and Legal Battles

One of the most prominent court cases related to 'Fair Game' in Scientology was the case of E.M. (1992), where the Church of Scientology was ordered to pay $25,000 in damages to E.M. for the harassment and threats she endured as a result of the organization's 'fair game' policy. The court found that the Church of Scientology's actions were intentionally malicious and violated her civil rights.

Another significant case is the 1999 lawsuit by Jane B. (Jane Mary Spencer), a former Scientology member. She alleged that the organization had subjected her and her family to relentless harassment, which included false accusations, fabricated evidence, and false reporting to the authorities. The court awarded her $2.2 million in damages. The judge stated that the Church of Scientology's actions were "cruel, calculated and malevolent" and that the organization's 'fair game' policy was a primary factor in Jane's suffering and the suffering of her family.

International Advocacy and Legislation

The prevalence of 'Fair Game' in Scientology has drawn international attention and led to efforts to enact legislation against such practices. In Iceland, a parliamentary inquiry resulted in a resolution condemning the Church of Scientology and its 'fair game' policy. The resolution stated that the practices of the Church had constituted "human rights violations, discrimination, and the promotion of hate speech," and called for criminal charges against the organization. In the United States, a bill has been introduced (H.R. 2656) to ban the use of 'fair game' by any organization in the United States. If enacted, the bill would make it a criminal offense to engage in any activity that resembles the 'fair game' policy of the Church of Scientology.

Conclusion: Court Cases and their Impact

The numerous cases and investigations that have successfully challenged and resulted in compensation for victims of the Church of Scientology's 'fair game' policy have significantly impacted the organization. These cases have demonstrated that the 'fair game' doctrine is not only unethical but also illegal and subject to severe legal consequences. As awareness of these practices increases, more organizations and individuals are likely to come forward with evidence of similar abuses, further challenging the legitimacy of such practices.

The persistent pursuit by the Church of Scientology to uphold its 'fair game' policy, despite multiple legal defeats, is a testament to the organization's willingness to use any means necessary to maintain control and suppress dissent. However, the legal precedents set by these cases provide a powerful tool for those seeking justice and human rights. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the concept of 'fair game' is eradicated from all organizations, preventing further harm to individuals and society.