Church of Scientology seeks HQ protest ban

The Church of Scientology wants to prevent protests outside its British headquarters in East Grinstead

The Church of Scientology has asked Mid Sussex District Council to impose an order stopping people from protesting outside its British headquarters in East Grinstead.

A request for a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was submitted to the council in the hope of preventing protests such as the one held by ex-Scientologists last November outside the grounds in Saint Hill Road.

Scientology became a recognised religion in the UK in 2013.

The Church of Scientology said: "In cooperation with local officials, we have been working diligently to solve the problem of disruptive individuals periodically causing disturbances and endangering safety on Saint Hill Road in East Grinstead."

Alexander Barnes-Ross, a spokesman for the ex-Scientologist group, said such an order would be a "direct threat to their freedom of speech and right to protest".

Mr Barnes-Ross, who has become an outspoken critic of Scientology, added the aim of the PSPO was to "shut down and silence critics".

The PSPO was on the agenda at a recent district council scrutiny committee meeting, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Members were told the council had to balance the protected legal rights of the two groups – the right of assembly and expression for the protesters, and the right to freedom of religion for those attending the church.

The committee agreed the issue should be consulted on by the cabinet and a decision made on whether to impose a PSPO.

No such order will be in place in time for this year’s International Association of Scientology event, starting on 25 October.

Instead, the council and Sussex Police will observe the coming event, collecting and sharing evidence.

A report to the committee said: “If a PSPO is considered potentially necessary and proportionate after the evidence gathering exercise, [the council] will carry out full public consultation.”

The Church of Scientology added: "These individuals stand in the road placing themselves and drivers at risk.

"The Church has been a leading member for more than 60 years.

"If such people had laudable aims, they would be cooperating with an effort that only has the community’s safety in mind."