Scientology Accused of Unprofessional 'Arbitration' in Clearwater

Valeska Paris and Gawain and Laura Baxter say they endured a sham 15-day proceeding before walking out

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a Scientology membership card reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the organization's controversial arbitration practices.The Baxters' allegations of an unprofessional Scientology arbitration process in Clearwater expose the organization's opaque dispute resolution system.Clearwater Today

Valeska Paris and Gawain and Laura Baxter have filed a court petition alleging that a 15-day 'religious arbitration' proceeding conducted by the Church of Scientology in Clearwater, Florida was an unprofessional sham. The Baxters say they were forced to participate in the arbitration and are now asking the court to intervene, claiming the process was rigged against them.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about Scientology's controversial 'religious arbitration' system, which critics say is used to silence former members and hide abuses within the organization from public scrutiny. The Clearwater facility is one of Scientology's most important international bases, making this a high-profile dispute.

The details

According to the Baxters' declaration, the 15-day arbitration proceeding was marked by a lack of impartiality, with Scientology-affiliated arbitrators making rulings that favored the church. The Baxters say they were not allowed to present key evidence and that the process was designed to intimidate them. They ultimately walked out, arguing the arbitration was a sham.

  • The 15-day arbitration proceeding took place in Clearwater, Florida in early 2026.
  • The Baxters have now filed a court petition asking a judge to intervene and declare the arbitration invalid.

The players

Valeska Paris

A former Scientologist who has been critical of the organization's practices.

Gawain Baxter

A former Scientologist who, along with his wife Laura, participated in the 15-day arbitration proceeding in Clearwater.

Laura Baxter

The wife of Gawain Baxter, who also participated in the 15-day arbitration proceeding in Clearwater.

Church of Scientology

The organization that conducted the 15-day arbitration proceeding in Clearwater that the Baxters are now challenging in court.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The court will now consider the Baxters' petition and decide whether to intervene in the Scientology arbitration process.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about Scientology's use of 'religious arbitration' to handle disputes, which critics say is an opaque process designed to protect the organization from public scrutiny and accountability.