Scientology Pushes for More Arbitration Days in Valerie Haney Case

New judge approves Scientology's request despite concerns over 'kangaroo court' process

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a Scientology membership card or other physical evidence related to the church's arbitration process, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The secretive 'religious arbitration' process used by Scientology to silence former members like Valerie Haney exposes the church's lack of transparency and commitment to justice.Clearwater Today

Scientology has already subjected former Sea Org member Valerie Haney to 15 days of a controversial 'religious arbitration' process, and the church is now demanding even more time in this secretive proceeding. The new judge in the case, like those before him, has accepted Scientology's request despite growing concerns over the fairness and legitimacy of this closed-door arbitration.

Why it matters

The Valerie Haney case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing battle between Scientology and its critics over the church's use of 'religious arbitration' to avoid public scrutiny and accountability. Haney's story has shed light on Scientology's aggressive tactics to silence former members through this arbitration process, which many view as a 'kangaroo court' designed to protect the church rather than provide justice.

The details

Valerie Haney, a former Scientology Sea Org member, filed a lawsuit against the church alleging abuse and false imprisonment. Rather than allow the case to proceed in open court, Scientology has forced Haney into a private arbitration process, where she has already endured 15 grueling days of hearings. Now, the church is demanding even more time in this secretive proceeding, and the new judge overseeing the case has approved Scientology's request.

  • Valerie Haney filed her lawsuit against Scientology in 2019.
  • The 15-day arbitration process has been ongoing since early 2026.

The players

Valerie Haney

A former Scientology Sea Org member who filed a lawsuit against the church alleging abuse and false imprisonment.

Scientology

The Church of Scientology, which has forced Haney into a private arbitration process to avoid public scrutiny of her allegations.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

The Valerie Haney case highlights the ongoing concerns over Scientology's use of 'religious arbitration' to shield itself from public accountability. This secretive process, which many view as a 'kangaroo court,' raises questions about the church's commitment to transparency and the rights of former members to seek justice through the legal system.