Screenwriter Paul Haggis quit Scientology over donation to anti-gay Proposition 8 fund, other nefarious reasons [video]
”As you know, for ten months now I have been writing to ask you to make a public statement denouncing the actions of the Church of Scientology of San Diego….
”In that first conversation, back at the end of October of last year, you told me you were horrified, that you would get to the bottom of it and “heads would roll.” You promised action. Ten months passed. No action was forthcoming. The best you offered was a weak and carefully worded press release, which praised the church’s human rights record and took no responsibility. Even that, you decided not to publish.
‘The church’s refusal to denounce the actions of these bigots, hypocrites and homophobes is cowardly. I can think of no other word. Silence is consent, Tommy. I refuse to consent….
”Despite all the church’s words about promoting freedom and human rights, its name is now in the public record alongside those who promote bigotry and intolerance, homophobia and fear.”
Portion of letter said to be from screenwriter and director Paul Haggis to Thomas Davis, who is credited as the head of the LA Scientology Centre. Haggis is an Oscar-winner who wrote ”Crash,” ”Million Dollar Baby,” and the latest James Bond films. He appears to have been fairly satisfied with his teachings from the organization that’s often accused of being a cult right up until its San Diego branch contributed to Proposition 8. Prop 8 is the anti-gay marriage legislation that became law last November. The San Diego Scientologists were listed along with many other proud organizations and individuals on the Prop8 supporters’ website, but have since been removed when the boastful organizers found out that public exposure left their supporters open for much-earned criticism. (Mark Rathbun blog) (Village Voice)
Scientology attracts individuals seeking a path to fulfillment, but the core teachings allegedly involve the spirits of dead aliens who crashed here on Earth, and to get to their ”clear” state of mind supposedly involves lots of cash, lots of books and counseling sessions, and lots of controversy.
Scientology has long held a negative view of homosexuality — their introductiory book ”Dianetics” has called homosexuality a sexual perversion, one more thing of which they claim a person is capable of being ”cleared.” A couple of the church’s many celebrity followers have pointed out that other religions basically have at least that much to say. It’s often difficult to know what the members are talking about because they have a whole new vocabulary of made-up words and abbreviations to describe their ”techniques” and beliefs.
During the recent Equality March weekend, a number of young people dressed in ”V for Vendetta” masks to protest the Church’s expanding presence here in the District. The church has been a part of the Dupont Circle neighborhood in Washington, DC for much of the time that the gay community has also made the neighborhood its home. Their R & 19th Street location will soon see another new building develop at 16th and P NW, which is where the raucous protest took place. ABC News has done an expose on the “church” this week. (ABC News) And a number of unbelievable documentaries are available on YouTube that document the creation of the ”religion” by a science fiction writer named L Ron Hubbard, including evidence that his 22-year-old gay son, Quentin Hubbard, committed suicide.
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
