IT IS A SCENARIO that may sound familiar. As public concern mounts over the activities of 'dangerous sects' the authorities take steps to bring in sweeping laws which will keep them under control. The move is met with strong opposition, demonstrations and claims that the proposed laws will strike a blow against religious freedom.
But this particular controversy has not arisen on the mainland, or even in Hong Kong. Nor is it about the Falun Gong. Instead the storm has blown up thousands of kilometres away in a country proud of its democratic traditions. This is an anti-sect crackdown in France.
A Bill which seeks to give authorities a range of new weapons to use against sects was passed by France's National Assembly last June. Among other tough measures, it seeks to introduce a new crime - 'mental manipulation' - aimed at combatting the brainwashing of cult members.
It was due to be approved by the French Senate in January but this step in the legislative process was delayed, some say because of the controversy surrounding the proposed laws.
The French experience may be instructive to officials in Hong Kong as they ponder the problem posed by the Falun Gong spiritual movement - branded an evil cult and banned on the mainland, but lawful in the SAR.
Hong Kong officials have repeatedly sought to justify controversial SAR laws - such as the Public Order Ordinance and the National Flag Ordinance - by reference to similar legislation overseas.