Scientology files motions to drop charges - 1999-05-12

Scientology files motions to drop charges May 12, 1999, Thomas C. Tobin, St. Petersburg Times

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The Church of Scientology in Clearwater says it is immune from criminal prosecution in the death of Lisa McPherson and wants the felony charges against it dismissed.

In lengthy motions filed this week, Scientology's lawyers argue that the charges filed against the church last November "are both unnecessary and impermissible."

Church staffers gave "spiritual assistance" to McPherson, a fellow Scientologist, in the days before she died, thus their actions were protected under the First Amendment and the state's new Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the motions state.

Wikipedia cite:

{{cite news | first = Thomas C. | last = Tobin | title = Scientology files motions to drop charges | url = http://www.sptimes.com/News/51299/TampaBay/Scientology_files_mot.shtml | work = St. Petersburg Times | date = May 12, 1999 | accessdate = January 14, 2017 }}