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LINK A Belgian Court Fined the Jehovah’s Witnesses for Shunning Former Members | Hemant Mehta | Friendly Atheist | Patheos

A court in Belgium just fined the Jehovah’s Witnesses €12,000 (about $14,255 USD) — and possibly more — for inciting hate against those who have walked away from the religion.

It’s effectively a punishment for blacklisting former members of the cult.

For those unaware, the Jehovah’s Witnesses have a practice called Disfellowshipping where ex-JWs are shunned by their families and friends for life — because that distance is the only thing believers can hold over the heads of the formerly faithful. (Imagine getting married or having a child — all without your living parents by your side — and you understand just how devastating this absence can be.)

In 2015, however, Patrick Haeck, a former JW, sued the organization for slander and defamation, claiming they violated Belgium’s anti-discrimination laws. It’s not just about religious beliefs; it’s that the faith teaches people there’s something inherently problematic about those former members.

snytiger6 9 Mar 20
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2 comments

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1

JW's often disassociate with former members for life. It has little to do with hate and is in their scriptures. Other religious groups follow a similar way of doing this. The worst group for doing this is Scientology because they do bring harassment into the picture. The JW's do not.

it has little to do with hate? you think? seems hateful to me

3

I have mixed feelings about this. In our polarized times, matters of religion and politics are dividing many families, and the JWs are not the only organized sect to practice shunning: The Amish, who are often admired and even celebrated in American popular culture for their tenacity in safeguarding their traditions, practice shunning as well. Yes, personally it’s messed up and hurtful, but is it a legal matter as well? Can people be forced to associate with those with whom they disagree?

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