problems" in (b) "or of promoting positive personality change growth and development."
5.49. The Psychological Practices Act 1965, inter alia provides that the Act does not
apply to:
(a) Legally qualified medical practitioners.
(b) Anything done by any person who is a priest or a minister of a
recognised religion in accordance with the usual practice of that
religion.
(c) Anything which is necessary or required to be done by a student in
the course of his studies as a student in any university or other
prescribed educational institution.
(d) Anything done in accordance with the rules by any person under the
supervision or direction of a registered psychologist.
5.50. The above exceptions appear to the Commission to be necessary exceptions. Slight
alterations to the phraseology might be desirable to bring the description of the excepted
classes into line with conditions in the Republic of South Africa. For instance the word
"qualified" in (a) should be deleted and substituted by "registered" and the words "a recognised
religion" in (b) should be deleted and substituted by "a religion duly recognised by the State."
5.51. In addition to the categories listed in the preceding paragraph registered Social
Workers should be excepted from the provisions of any legislation to be enacted. The Commission
is aware that the Registration of psychologists with the South African Medical and Dental
Council is currently under review with a view to introducing subdivisions of various types of
psychologists. Therefore any proposed legislation should be consistent with the outcome of such
review.
5.52. Since having resolved to make the aforegoing recommendation the Commission has
learnt that Sir John G. Foster, K.B.E., Q.C., M.P. in his report on the practice and effects of
Scientology in the United Kingdom has recommended the passing of legislation restricting the
practice of psycho-therapy for reward to members of a profession properly trained and qualified
in its techniques. Sir John Foster disapproved in strong terms of discriminating against a
person merely because he is a Scientologist and states:
"I cannot see any reason why Scientologists should not be allowed to
practice psychotherapy if they satisfy the proposed professional body that
they are qualified to do so, that their techniques are sound, that their
practitioners receive adequate training and operate under a stringent
ethical code, and that there is no hint of exploitation."1
The Commission holds similar views and respectfully endorses them.
_________
1Foster Sir John G.: Enquiry into the Practice and Effects of Scientology. Her Majesty's
Stationery Office, London, England. (December 1971), page 181, par. 262.
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