Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

American Samoa restates freedom of religion amid scientology campaign

Posted at 02:36 on 12 March, 2008 UTC

The American Samoan governor, Togiola Tulafono, says the government cannot prohibit the display of Scientology Church billboards.

Billboards for the Scientology church have been put up across the main island over the past week to promote meetings with two scientology volunteers from Australia this week.

Governor Togiola says both the United States and American Samoa consitutitions protect the rights of Christians and atheists.

He said this is the same reason why the government could not stop the showing of the movie the Da Vinci Code .

The governor said while people may not agree with movements and beliefs that are in conflict with Christianity there is nothing the government can do to keep them out because this will infringe on their constitutional rights.

The governor did say legislation is needed to set size specifications and other standards for banners that are displayed on the road. He said some banners are too large and can pose a traffic hazard.