Paris - France's National Assembly adopted a new law against sects yesterday, ignoring criticism from churches and human rights groups that it represents an assault on basic liberties.
Officially entitled "the law to reinforce the prevention and repression of groups of a sect-like character," it makes it an offence to abuse a vulnerable person via the "exertion of heavy or repeated pressure or techniques liable to alter his judgment".
It will also allow courts to close down associations after members have been convicted of crimes such as personal violence, illegal use of medicines or misleading publicity.
The Church of Scientology, one of 172 groups officially designated as sects in France, had opposed the bill.