Study of Mind Development Groups, Sects and Cults in Ontario

Daniel G. Hill, Special Advisor
A report to the Ontario Government

June 1980
ISBN 0-7743-5266-3

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This official study, dating from 1980, is a an excellent and very extensive study on the cult/deprogramming question. Its conclusions are informed and eloquently stated. Only the most significant sections are webbed here (progressively, of course).

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PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
DEFINITIONS AND ORIGINS
DESCRIBING THE PHENOMENON
DEPROGRAMMING

THE DEBATE

• The Case Against the Groups
• The Case Against the Critics
• Fear Breeds Intolerance
• The Brainwashing Myth
• Deny Hypnotism and Brainwashing
• Practices of Older Religions
• Myth of the Evil Eye
• True Conversions typed in. spellcheck not done.
• The Myth of Unhealthy Heresies: just typed in.
  • Positive Results: typed in
• The Myth of Deception: typed in, but wonder if useful from here.
• The Myth of Subversion
• The Movements as Victims
• The Movements as Social Benefactors

THE GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE IN ONTARIO
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

CONCLUSION

• FOREWORDS
  • The Issue in Perspective
  • Rights and Freedoms
  • Protection of Rights
  • Jehovah's Witnesses in Quebec
  • Ontario Initiatives
  • Human Rights Laws
  • Bill 99
  • McRuer Commission
  • Pondering Alternatives
• BRAINWASHING AND HYPNOSIS
  • Is Conversion Voluntary? c
  • Same Problem with Hypnosis
  • Conclusion
• HEALTH
  • Conclusion
  • Dietary Concerns
  • The Civil Law Avenue
  • Data Collection Urged
  • Additional Action Advised
• THREATS TO SOCIETY
  • Potential for Violence
  • The Police Perception
  • No Need for Legislation
  • Conclusion
• THREAT TO THE FAMILY
  • Conclusion
• DECEPTION AND FRAUD
  • Recruiting and Deception
  • Conclusion
  • Present Laws are Sufficient
  • Public Education Campaign Urged
  • The Tax Problem
• DEPROGRAMMING
  • Opposes Forced Deprogramming
  • Other Alternatives
• GENERAL CONCLUSIONS
  • Advice to the Government
    • The First Proposal
    • The Second Proposal
  • A Last Word

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