Petition Seeks Action Against 'religious Abuses'
The growing political scandal involving the former Unification Church has brought new attention to its controversial practices.
A petition calling for the protection of members' children outlines a history of alleged psychological abuse. The petitioner collected online signatures under the name of Takahashi Miyuki, a false identity used to protect their privacy.
They submitted the petition to the government on Wednesday. Takahashi says the campaign collected more than 70,000 signatures. The petition calls for extending the child abuse prevention law to cover religion-related abuse. It also seeks to legally ensure children are not forced to take part in missionary work.
Takahashi's parents reportedly donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the former Unification Church, making the family's life difficult. Takahashi also says followers' family members have no freedom to choose romantic partners. The group is famous for its mass weddings.
Takahashi said, "My parents and church officials discovered I was dating someone outside the group. They told me my date, our future children and I would go to hell."
Takahashi says welfare officials often hesitate to intervene in family affairs or religious matters. He said, "I want people to recognize that violating followers' children's freedom of religion is a major human rights issue."
A senior member of the group told reporters this month that it will give advice and guidance to children of followers who have trouble dealing with their family situations.