Scientologists push mental health law - 2005-04-09
Scientologists push mental health law April 9, 2005,
Legislation backed by an offshoot of the Church of Scientology aims to discourage public school students from seeking mental health services.
The measure would require schools to tell parents that any mental health treatment would be part of a student's permanent record, which is true only in limited cases now.
It also would require school officials to tell parents that no medical test can diagnose mental illness, they can refuse psychological screening and that students can't be barred from school activities if they refuse treatment.
The bills (HB209 and SB1766) are being pushed by the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, or CCHR, established in 1969 by the Church of Scientology to carry out its mental health mission. Scientologists oppose psychiatry and other mental health services.