For the first time, the U.S. Trade Representative has cited France in its 2002 National Trade Estimate on Foreign Trade Barriers on the grounds that "French government agencies have refused to renew contracts with [the U.S. software company, Panda] because of the management's relationship to Scientology."
Trade Representative Robert Zoellick states in the Report, an inventory of the most important foreign barriers affecting U.S. exports and investments, that such national practices regarding government procurement are of "particular concern to the United States." He notes that the United States has raised the French government's refusal to renew contracts with Panda with French government officials.
The Trade Representative's Report, issued from the Office of the President, represents a toughening of U.S. government criticism of France for discrimination against Scientologists. In the section devoted to Trade with the European Union, the U.S. Trade Rep also notes that the Administration is continuing to monitor the German government's treatment of companies owned or operated by Scientologists, "to ensure that U.S. firms and workers are not discriminated against in German government procurement."
Although the U.S. State Department has repeatedly criticized France over religious discrimination against Scientologists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and a Baptist College, the intervention of the U.S. Trade Representative demonstrates escalating American concern at the threat posed to American companies solely on the basis of the religious affiliation of their executives. In July 2001, Panda's vice president, Patrick Hinojosa, testified before the International Operations and Human Rights Subcommittee that a French government boycott had resulted in a devastating 50% drop in revenue for Panda's French subsidiary.
Since, then, government agencies in France have continued to refuse to renew their contracts with Panda, solely because its founder is a member of the Church of Scientology. Today's Report indicates that in the view of the U.S. government, such practices threaten American trade.
Leisa Goodman, Human Rights Director of the Church of Scientology International, welcomed the inclusion of France in the National Trade Estimate Report, stating that "a so-called 'interministerial mission to fight against sects' and its head, Alain Vivien, have orchestrated governmental boycotts and intolerance to try to destroy the livelihoods of members of minority religions -- Scientologists as well as many Christian groups."
Earlier this year, the Church of Scientology filed a complaint to the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights, Mary Robinson, requesting U.N. intervention to remedy repeated violations of France's international human rights commitments by Vivien and the Interministerial Mission to Fight Against Sects (MILS).
Scientology was founded by philosopher and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard in 1954. As part of its social mission the Church supports many charitable and social programs in the areas of drug rehabilitation, criminal reform and literacy. Further information can be obtained at www.scientology.org.