Supreme Court gets exorcism case of ex-Colleyville woman

[moobu2]

The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to review the case of a former Colleyville woman who claims a forced traumatic exorcism left her so physically bruised and emotionally scarred that she later attempted to commit suicide.

A sharply divided Texas Supreme Court ruled in June that the Pleasant Glade Assembly of God staff and members are protected by the First Amendment because it involves an ecclesiastical dispute over religious conduct.

Laura Schubert Pearson described a wild night in 1996 that involved casting out demons from the church and two attempts to exorcise demons from her. Only 17 years old, the incident lead Pearson to eventually attempt suicide.

Pearson’s attorneys contend that the Texas Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision "dramatically and dangerously departs" from U.S. Supreme Court’s First Amendment jurisprudence, adding that someone’s religious beliefs do not excuse them from being held accountable under valid state laws that prohibit such things as assault and false imprisonment.

More to the story here

[Manifestor_of_Light]

1. Wow.

I'm sure she's not the only person out there who has become suicidal and traumatized from the actions of church members trying to "help" them.

:wtf:

[zonmoy]

6. I know that way too well since I am one of those traumatized by

my family trying to help me by forcing me back into their religion.

[Sandrine for you]

2. Look like "The Exorcism of Emily Rose"

an exorcism and a prosecution...
http://images.google.fr/imgres?imgurl=&imgrefurl=http://sarcasticgamer.com/forums/showthread.php%3Ft%3D14005&usg=__Ew9GuDRVf7QHzYjjT_JYtCDZsEA=&h=326&w=480&sz=15&hl=fr&start=7&um=1&tbnid=N2ZDGRIX4R-GdM:&tbnh=88&tbnw=129&prev=/images%3Fq%3Demily%2Brose%26um%3D1%26hl%3Dfr%26sa%3DN

[DeSwiss]

3. Well, I for one will be hoping....

...that The Supremes overturn the Texas ruling.

- But I won't be taking any bets.



K&R

[struggle4progress]

4. links to Texas decision and dissents in June 08 thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=214&topic_id=177209

[TechBear_Seattle]

5. Can clergy child abuse be classed as "ecclesiastical dispute over religious conduct?"

A 17 year old girl -- a minor, and legally unqualified to make her own decisions in many cases -- is physically and mentally abused in the name of religion. This abuse is written off by the courts as an "ecclesiastical dispute over religious conduct."

Sounds like it is open season on the vulnerable.