Oz minister brands Scientologists 'bastards'

Melbourne, July 10 : The Education and Children's Services Minister in South Australia has attacked the controversial Church of Scientology, branding its faithful as 'bastard'.

Jane Lomax-Smith made the comment earlier this year while talking to a group of protesters outside the church's offices in Adelaide.

Unfortunately for her, the comments were caught on tape, with the video finding its way to YouTube, reports The Australian.

"They should be taxed - the bastards," she's seen as telling the protesters from an internet collective called Anonymous.

"They shouldn't be tax-free, we're subsidising them."

Ms Lomax-Smith has since described her comments as personal views made in a private conversation.

Some of the church's most well-known believers include Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Jenna Elfman.

Cruise is also said to have introduced Australia's richest man James Packer to the religion.

ANI