The Cult Phenomenon in the United States (1979) (Congressman Giaimo, Statements)

Joint-Congressional Proceedings, statements by Congressman Robert Giaimo

INFORMATION MEETING ON THE CULT PHENOMENON IN THE UNITED STATES, February 5, 1979,
318 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. P.16-17. of Transcript of
Proceedings.

Senator Dole. Congressman Giaimo?

Mr. Giaimo. The proliferation of cults in the United States in recent years is an
issue fraught with confusion, emotion and misunderstanding.

I would like to see this informal forum used to discuss rationally the phenomenon
itself, problems resulting from it and the role of government, if any, in dealing
with it.

We have a healthy and proper tradition of separation of church and state and of
government noninterference in religious beliefs.

That is as it should be. I doubt we will be hearing calls for changes in the First
Amendment.

I am convinced, however, that a distinction must be made between religious beliefs

and certain actions taken in the name of religion.

Our society must tolerate unorthodox religious beliefs; that's a basic component
of freedom; but society cannot tolerate all actions taken in the name of religion.

We do not permit assaults, fraud, or other similar illegal acts simply because
they are motivated by religious beliefs.

The problem arises in trying to define this narrow area of impermissible action.
All of us have heard, and we will hear again, charges against certain new
religious groups. Because of our strong reverence for the First Amendment, there
has been little formal intervention of these charges; but the charges persist and
they have persisted throughout the years.

Public interest has increased in the past few months. So this meeting is being
held to a large degree in response to the petition of thousands of Americans for
some kind of action by their government, itself a protective right.

I'm not here to question religious beliefs. As a legislator, I must determine if a

problem in fact exists, if present laws can deal with the problem, if new laws are
necessary, bearing in mind at all times the Constitution that protects all of us.

I'm seeking answers to what may be unanswerable questions. This meeting may shed
some light on the subject. Even if it leads to more questions than answers, it is
an issue that cannot be ignored.

Senator Dole. Thank you, Congressman Giaimo.