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Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daughter

CommunicatorIC

@IndieScieNews on Twitter
Re: Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daug

This story was on the local TV News here in Tampa this evening....
Can you provide the call letters, station number, etc. so we can look for the story, and hopefully video, on the web?
 
Re: Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daug

I see no complaints about him on the internet regarding his alternative practices activities... a good thing. However, something the cult will no doubt bring up is some unrelated but questionable past activities which are noted in multiple places on the internet.

I'm going to lay out the facts that I came across, to offset any future distortions and black PR that the cult may do on him regarding his previous career. Sheen is a also a former Certified Financial Planner who changed careers to alternative medicine. His career and writing about Financial Planning are referred to in his wiki page
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Sheen

However, his license revocation is not:

Certified Financial Planner Board Board of Standards revoked his CFP license 20 years ago


http://www.cfp.net/about-cfp-board/ethics-enforcement/disciplined-individuals-by-state

... further research shows that the above as in regards to activities in the 90s that resulted in his being censored and sanctioned by the SEC resulting in his broker license being suspended for a year by the SEC due to regulatory violations, and then not agreeing to ( or being able to comply with ) the financial result he tried to appeal and lost. That his license was later revoked for the very non-payment of the fine levied in that matter first publicly noted in March 1995 in this SEC News Digest:



https://www.sec.gov/news/digest/1995/dig032095.pdf

FINRA Report (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.)





http://brokercheck.finra.org/Individual/Summary/843742

I do see a changed person, doing work he enjoys, and helping others. Non harmful non-medical means for helping for children and adults with ADHD is a good thing. I didn't look much into all that he works on with patients but as long as no harm is done.. I won't knock it or him.

He's a father and wants to do what he can to stop disconnection. Despite his colorful and varied past, I say we show some support for him. It takes money, effort and guts to sue Scientology, regardless of the win or loss in the end. I suspect there is more to come from this lawsuit, more to help expose Scientology. Brian gets my support on this:thumbsup:

Wouldn't it be funny if the reason he did a switch from his career into finance was because he got involved with scientology and thence with scientology money magicians who convinced him....etc. just idle speculation.

Or another way to put it: How big a part did scientology play in the finance stuff.....? if they played a significant part and they try to dead agent him on finance issues, they could get into their usual obsessive/compulsive footbullet thingy.
 
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Re: Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daug

Tony Ortega said he talked to Brian Sheen and the daughter and will post a story tomorrow morning (July 11). Tony said OMG twice and used a lot of exclamation points so it sounds big!
 

Leland

Crusader
Re: Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daug

Can you provide the call letters, station number, etc. so we can look for the story, and hopefully video, on the web?

I guess it was this station....28.1........WFTS ABC Action News Tampa / St. Pete

Edited: I just looked on their web site...and video / report is not there....but pretty sure that was the station that broadcasted it..

Edited: corrected station call letters also...

http://www.stationindex.com/tv/callsign/wfts
 
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xstaffWPB

Patron
Re: Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daug

I hope Brian Sheen is successful in his suit. Brian used to be heavily involved in L. Ron Hubbardology and should be well versed in the subject. He knows what he's up against as he used to be E.D. of the Scn Mission in West Palm Beach FL. The first scn courses (and Life Repair auditing) that I took at the WPB Mission in the late 70s were under him. I don't remember much about him but he seemed to be a nice enough guy. He got suckered in like the rest of us and had the good sense to get out. Best of luck Brian.
 

Smurf

Gold Meritorious SP
Re: Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daug

I don't know about that, Smurf... and I think this father is not only doing because his choices to save his family now are so limited, but that this could well be an important case, one that may well open the door to exposing the history and extent of Scientology's hatred and prejudice towards all things not Scientology. I think he's one smart cookie for attempting to do this as a last resort, to save his family and put the onus on Scientology to be forced to publicly explain how it's PTS/SP 'tech' and policies do not interfere with his civil right and that of his daughter's to ensure their ability to participate in family life, unhindered by this oppressive cult..

Civil and political rights: "Civil and political rights are a class of rights that protect individuals' freedom from infringement by governments, social organizations and private individuals, and which ensure one's ability to participate in the civil and political life of the society and state without discrimination or repression.

Civil rights include the ensuring of peoples' physical and mental integrity, life and safety; protection from discrimination on grounds such as race, gender, national origin, colour, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or disability;[1][2][3] and individual rights such as privacy, the freedoms of thought and conscience, speech and expression, religion, the press, assembly and movement."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_and_political_rights.

From the Facebook thread:

Longtime SP & attorney Scott Pilutik: There's no right, civil or otherwise, to access to your adult children, period full stop. Suit will be fleeting. Even in countries less deferential to personal autonomy (and the US is at the far end of that spectrum) there's no civil right to access to your adult children. It is not "illegal" in any state to "drive a wedge" between children and parents.

Show me a lawyer willing to take a case like this and I'll show you a lawyer who's either dishonest with his client or dishonest with him/herself.
============================================================================================================

Former cult member (Moonies) and attorney (who has represented victims of cult abuses), Ford Greene: This lawsuit will be dismissed. Courts will not coerce relationships between adults, even more so when one of them is exercising what she asserts to be her independent religious prerogative. This does not in any way downplay the hurt of the parents. But it does highlight their absence of legal options. If the daughter were to leave Scientology, the context would change, as might the legal rights.

In terms of the competition between the truth and falsity regarding Scientology, Mr. Sheen's civil rights lawsuit against Scientology can help expose its continuous lies in the marketplace of ideas. There is lots of reason to pursue the fight to expose Scientology to sunlight in every available arena. Even if in the legal arena the lawsuit doesn't prevail, or last long, the publicity it generates helps, as Karen says, to increase the proof of the LIES of the Church. But in the legal arena, one must be vigilant and careful not to set bad precedent. Bad precedent has a knack for occurring more than it should in anti-cult litigation.
 

AnonyMary

Formerly Fooled - Finally Free
Re: Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daug

I don't agree with Tikk on that because the issue being litigated here is the interference. He's not suing for the cult to turn the daughter over to him. He is suing to make them accountable for their inherent indoctrination and policies which interfere with his and his daughter's civil rights.
 

Smurf

Gold Meritorious SP
Re: Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daug

I don't agree with Tikk on that because the issue being litigated here is the interference. He's not suing for the cult to turn the daughter over to him. He is suing to make them accountable for their inherent indoctrination and policies which interfere with his and his daughter's civil rights.

Tikk is correct in that the court will not interfere with a religious practice that inlves shunning, or in the case of Scientology, disconnection, especially since omne party (the daughter) remains a Scienotlogist and choose to support the disconnection against her father via her choosing to remain in good standing, a member of the COS.

http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/excom4.html

http://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/15/us/court-upholds-jehovah-s-witnesses-on-shunning.html
 

AnonyMary

Formerly Fooled - Finally Free
Re: Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daug

I get what you and Tikk are saying but I believe the approach in this case is going to be different. And that it is being litigated to the core issue on the civil right of the plaintiff being infringed by the policies and practices of the defendant.

Lets not get into an argument about this. :yes: There are differing opinions and all based upon limited information at this point. Lets wait, see a copy of the complaint, and see where this goes.

Sheen is investing in a lawsuit to address issues and hoping to bring about change. This case could well have an impact on the many others we know who have been effected by disconnection. It may not bring loved ones home but it could make Scientology accountable for it's hand in violating the civil rights of those not in Scientology.
 

CommunicatorIC

@IndieScieNews on Twitter
Re: Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daug

As noted above, the Atlantic Journal Constitution picked up the Palm Beach Post story:

http://www.ajc.com/news/news/nationa...g-him-f/nmw6w/

And now....


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HelluvaHoax!

Platinum Meritorious Sponsor with bells on
Re: Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daug

I get what you and Tikk are saying but I believe the approach in this case is going to be different. And that it is being litigated to the core issue on the civil right of the plaintiff being infringed by the policies and practices of the defendant.

Lets not get into an argument about this. :yes: There are differing opinions and all based upon limited information at this point. Lets wait, see a copy of the complaint, and see where this goes.

Sheen is investing in a lawsuit to address issues and hoping to bring about change. This case could well have an impact on the many others we know who have been effected by disconnection. It may not bring loved ones home but it could make Scientology accountable for it's hand in violating the civil rights of those not in Scientology.


Agreed as to the theory of what you said. But, one wonders what legal basis could possibly exist for any litigation to succeed.

His daughter is an adult. So, she can choose her own religion.

If his daughter chooses a religion that practices shunning ("disconnection") then he is powerless to try engage the legal system to force her to leave her religion.

If the daughter also disagrees with the shunning, she is free to leave Scientology. Or to remain in it and try to lobby for doctrinal change from within (i.e. "reformation")

As much as I would cheer on anyone suing organized Scientology, I can't identify any legal theory under which he could gain the court's interest in trying to step in the middle of a religious practice issue and attempt to legislate what Scientology can do.

I remain fascinated and prepared to learn, if any lawyer can find a way to get this holey (and holy) bucket to hold water.

Holes-in-Bucket-of-Water-Ph.jpg
 

dchoiceisalwaysrs

Gold Meritorious Patron
Re: Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daug

Smurf I am not so sure about that. I would suggest there may well be some valid arguments that there has been at least one intentional tort possible in the area of 'defamation of character' 'Disparagement' 'Fraud and Misrepresentation' 'Libel or Slander' of which I think none are restricted based solely upon any age greater than the legal age of majority.



BUT, I will have to read the complaint.

He's got no legal standing in the complaint. His daughter, Sroing (song) Austin is 38 years old & a resident of Los Angeles where she owns a DJ out-souring company here.

11698700_10204561991512401_8226912125850386404_n.jpg


http://www.skyline-entertainment.com/entertainment/our-djs.php

http://www.yelp.com/biz/skyline-entertainment-los-angeles

http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1999-06-12/lifestyle/9906110637_1_scuba-yoga-meditation-center
 

Smurf

Gold Meritorious SP
Re: Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daug

I get what you and Tikk are saying but I believe the approach in this case is going to be different. And that it is being litigated to the core issue on the civil right of the plaintiff being infringed by the policies and practices of the defendant.

Sheen is investing in a lawsuit to address issues and hoping to bring about change. This case could well have an impact on the many others we know who have been effected by disconnection. It may not bring loved ones home but it could make Scientology accountable for it's hand in violating the civil rights of those not in Scientology.

Well, it will certainly be interesting to watch future developments considering who Spring Sheen Austin married...she married Ryan Atkinson-Baker, Alan & Sheila's son. Alan & Sheila are major $$$ whales for the cult.
https://www.facebook.com/spring.austin.5

"Sheila and Alan Atkinson-Baker — Platinum Laureate with Honors ($13 million)"|
http://tonyortega.org/2014/03/17/here-are-the-wealthy-people-keeping-scientology-alive

http://oneelevenphotography.com/.../san-francisco-elopement

Spring's sister: https://www.facebook.com/loriduleykubach
 
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Smurf

Gold Meritorious SP
Re: Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daug

Smurf I am not so sure about that. I would suggest there may well be some valid arguments that there has been at least one intentional tort possible in the area of 'defamation of character' 'Disparagement' 'Fraud and Misrepresentation' 'Libel or Slander' of which I think none are restricted based solely upon any age greater than the legal age of majority.

BUT, I will have to read the complaint.

Note that Jerry filed a complaint with the Florida Attorney General's office. It isn't a lawsuit.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.documentcloud.org/documents/2163599/civil-rights-complaint-1.pdf.

Consider that the Florida Attorney General's office was utterly useless when it came to prosecuting anyone in the cult for Lisa McPherson's death. Also, last year, the Florida AG Pam Bondi raised some eyebrows when it became known several prominent Scilons were involved in her re-election efforts:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/scient...undraiser-organized-by-scientologists/2186599
 

mockingbird

Silver Meritorious Patron
Re: Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daug

I can confirm the Bunkeroos are going hog wild and well lathered up over this story. I know about as much about the law as Bill Cosby does about dating etiquette. But the story can expose the toxic disconnection policy on a larger scale and I am all for increasing the magnitude of true and accurate information on the cult being spread . Frankly some of the celeb or Xenu centered stuff is inaccurate or so incomplete as to be misleading to never ins in general. But more truthful exposure can throw another log on the fire . Who knows what will inspire action by the FBI , IRS or a congressman ?

Something will, I hope .
 

Smurf

Gold Meritorious SP
Re: Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daug

After Tony published his excellent article today, I did some more research & realized I made an error. Brian Sheen's been married 3 times & had a child with each wife.

http://tonyortega.org/2015/07/11/th...nnected-scientology-daughter-you-havent-heard

Spring's mother & Scilon.

https://www.facebook.com/jcharm

http://www.truthaboutscientology.com/stats/by-name/j/jennifer-charm.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I also found.. Brian used to be a Certified Financial Planner in Florida until his license was revoked for unethical conduct:

Brian J. Sheen
Certification Status: Revoked
Company: Sheen Investment Advisory Svc.
2915 Banyan Boulevard Cir NW, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6327

CFP Board Public Disciplinary History - Effective Date: 5/8/1996

In May 1996, CFP Board revoked Mr. Sheen’s right to use the CFP marks after the NASD revoked his registration in 1996 for non-payment of fines & costs following a 1993 NASD censure & $7,500 fine for violation of the NASD’s Rules of Fair Practice. CFP Board discovered that Mr. Sheen had eight civil cases and seven arbitrations initiated against him and was under investigation by the Florida Department of Insurance.

The allegations against Mr. Sheen included misrepresentation, suitability, omission of facts, negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, and failure to supervise his staff. In addition, Mr. Sheen failed to complete his CFP Board post-certification requirements.

http://www.cfp.net/utility/verify-an-individual-s-cfp-certification-and-background
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brian is an accomplished writer: http://www.amazon.com/Brian-J.-Sheen/e/B005AM2GFK

He believes he's lived in a past life as an alien on another planet: http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/19...757_1_mickey-sheen-millionaire-previous-lives

His credentials as a therapist are listed with Psychology Today. https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/name/Brian_J_Sheen_PhD_Boynton+Beach_Florida_136483
 

AnonLover

Patron Meritorious
Re: Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daug

Note that Jerry filed a complaint with the Florida Attorney General's office. It isn't a lawsuit.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.documentcloud.org/documents/2163599/civil-rights-complaint-1.pdf.

That complaint is both a heartbreak and a headache. It seems he came up with a very creative angle for hammering disconnection, but sadly - it just doesn't feel like he's doinitrite. The one thing though, that did seem like it might be a work-able angle *IF* it used in a different context was this bit mentioned on page 7:

In Title 18, U.S.C., Section 241 Conspiracy Against Rights this statute makes it unlawful for two or more persons to conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person of any state, territory or district in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him/her by the Constitution or the laws of the United States, (or because of his/her having exercised the same).

18 U.S. Code § 241 - Conspiracy against rights
From: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/241
If two or more persons conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, Possession, or District in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or because of his having so exercised the same; or
If two or more persons go in disguise on the highway, or on the premises of another, with intent to prevent or hinder his free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege so secured—
They shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and if death results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, they shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death.

That's one helluva law I never heard of being used before, but it has been on the books since 1948 and amended many times.

Nonetheless, IANAL but it seems like a stretch in this situation. Perhaps a better fit would a scenario similar to Sara Goldberg where the church tells an active member to disconnect from a child/spouse/parent and the member says No. Then the member documents the threats of being declared, ethics action extortion, etc. and once declared and refused repayment on monies on account, they file a lawsuit where Conspiracy Against Rights is just one of several causes of action.
 

Purple Rain

Crusader
Re: Father files civil rights complaint against Scientology, says can't speak to daug

They are definitely discriminating against him based on his religious beliefs IMHO. If he shared their beliefs and agreed to their conditions he would be permitted to engage in the pursuit of happiness with his family without interference. Their coercion directly infringes on HIS rights to live and believe as her chooses.
 
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