Portal:United States Congress

“ We hold a profound and sincere belief in the rights of the individual in this country. Where organizations are acting to force their regimens on unwilling parties, either inside or outside, it is the responsibility of Congress to inquire why. ”

“ There are, I think, many questions raised by the nonreligious activities of cults that are the legitimate concern of Congress. Where cults commit extortion, hold members through coercion, force them to commit suicide and conspire to kill outside critics -- as happened in the case of the Peoples Temple -- the government has an interest. It is a duty to cult members and the general public alike to protect them from criminal activities. ”

“ Finally, the right to hold unusual and unconventional religious beliefs in this country must be absolutely protected. It would indeed be ironic if after fleeing Europe to escape religious persecution, our Founding Fathers gave birth to a new persecuting and intolerant nation. ”