Click on any image below to see a larger version of it.

Members of Youth for Human Rights International speak with Janet Mayland, Office for International Religious Freedom, U.S. State Department.

The Church of Scientology International’s Human Rights Department regularly organizes and participates in events and meetings in Washington, D.C. to bring human rights violations to the attention of U.S. legislators and government officials.

In September 1997, Church members testified about religious intolerance in Germany before the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe.

The International Relations Committee, under its then chairman Congressman Ben Gilman, held a hearing on religious intolerance in western Europe in June 2000 at which Scientologists testified.

Catherine Bell with Congressman Ben Gilman, then chairman of the House International Relations Committee.

The Committee subsequently passed a resolution expressing concern about the problems facing religions in France, Germany, Austria and Belgium.

In July 2001, the International Operations and Human Rights Subcommittee, chaired by Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, held a hearing into religious intolerance in Europe. Again, Scientologists were among those who testified.

Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have attended meetings at which prominent Scientologists have briefed them on discrimination against parishioners of various religions in Western Europe. Numerous congressmen and senators have met personally with Scientologists to discuss ways of dealing with the situation.

Isaac Hayes testifies to the Commission for Security and Cooperation in Europe. John Travolta and Chick Corea, who both also testified, look on.

Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) representatives have also visited Washington, D.C. to meet with State Department officials and congressmen to generate support for human rights initiatives.

In May 2003, Lynsey Bartilson, actress and spokesperson for YHRI, met with national ambassadors, congressional representatives, NGOs and State Department officials on the issue of sexual trafficking.

In June 2004, several young members of YHRI visited a number of congressmen and State Department officials to emphasize the importance of teaching human rights to the young. These visits produced heightened interest in the issue.

Isaac Hayes testifies before a congressional subcommittee.

John Travolta and Chick Corea visited Washington, D.C. to brief congressional leaders.

Musician and Scientologist Chick Corea briefs media on religious intolerance in Germany.