PRESS RELEASES

Background

O.T.O. Australia has filed complaints of religious vilification against a number of persons over materials published on the internet accusing us of being a satanic cult engaged in child sacrifice. These claims of criminal activity have been made to police and other enforcement agencies before being posted on the internet. These posted materials have been read and copied throughout the world.

The O.T.O. is a small religious group in Australia which promotes the religion of Thelema. O.T.O. members are entitled to their beliefs and practices without undue interference from others. The modern O.T.O. was re-established in Australia 23 years ago. It first had a presence here in the early 20th century up until 1930. For the past 15 years the O.T.O. has operated successfully as an incorporated non-profit association in full compliance with all applicable obligations and duties, and has satisfied all indicia to gain religious institution status. Thelema does not advocate criminal activity. The O.T.O. does not advocate or commit criminal acts. We consider the allegations made against us vile and heinous.

Update 12-03-2008

Additional Orders made 28-02-08 now available.

orders (202 KB)

Update 04-12-2007

Devine and Legg have been found guilty of contempt of court after failing to comply with orders issued by the Victorian and Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to remove offensive materials from their US hosted website.

For details please see our full press release here:

december 2007 press release

Update 29-07-2007

After a successful hearing with VCAT we are able to release the Tribunal's Orders and Reasons for Decisions against respondents Devine and Legg.

reasons for decision (309 KB)

Update 29-11-2006

We are pleased to announce that we have signed public terms of settlement in our religous vilification precedings against Raina Michaelson and CSAAP.

Full details of this settlement can be found in the .pdf documents available below.

media release (316 KB)
final terms (1,378 KB)

Of interest is the following legal perspective.

pro bono effort muzzles religion slur (link to 3rd party site)

Public Relations and Media Contact: mediaotoaustralia.org.au

Previous Releases 

december 2005 press release
july 2005 press release
june 2005 press release