03.10.10

Scientology

Posted in General at 2:00 pm by nemo

Scientology ‘putting lives at risk’
by Sabra Lane – ABC News (Australia)

http://richarddawkins.net/articles/5224

from dawkins site
Professor McGorry, a world-renowned youth mental health expert, and two other respected Australian psychiatrists are supporting independent Senator Nick Xenophon’s efforts to set up an investigation into the church’s activities and its teachings on psychiatric care.

Professor McGorry says it is time to put the Church of Scientology under the federal parliamentary microscope.

“It’s a bit like they’re the deniers of the reality of mental illness, which is not only incredibly irresponsible and dangerous, but something that has to be challenged,” he said.

Professor McGorry says he has been motivated by his long-time advocacy of early intervention for mental health problems.

The Church of Scientology has strong views about psychiatric medicine, and Professor McGorry says those teachings should be examined in a public forum such as a Senate inquiry.

“I’m concerned that any restriction or any discouragement of access to mental health care will cost lives and result in unnecessary disability for people,” Professor McGorry said.

Professor Ian Hickie, the executive director of the Brain and Mind Institute in Sydney, also supports a Senate inquiry, as does Professor Louise Newman, the president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
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