suggested rules of picketing:

This is a list from the '96 picket in Clearwater, slightly updated.

1 - These are not really rules. We are individuals, and we don't have an imperial leader. There will be no protest RPF, no running program, and no heavy ethics.

2 - Avoid anything that could be found and used against you by the cult. Of course it goes without saying that there must be no weapons (guns and knives), drugs, or anything else that could be used to malign the cause. Don't drink heavily on any night spent in the area.

3 - keep to the main point of getting Scientology to stop hurting people.

4 - If you make your own, make your sign legible from a distance with only a short message. Six or eight inch letters are not too big. Make them sturdy, but light (they get heavy after an hour or more) Don't use metal. It can be considered a weapon. Signs are best when they are 6 words or less. Double sided!

5 - Stick together. Don't try to show up alone. Find out where to meet everybody else (this will be announced), and don't walk in Clearwater by yourself. Carpooling is recommended.

6 - Bring cameras. Still, video or whatever. Documentation of the whole thing could prevent some ops by the cult. Bring extra film and batteries. Tape recorders may be handy too.

7 - Be prepared to be photographed yourself, by the cult and your fellow picketers. Wear sunglasses if this is a problem for you.

8 - Wear good shoes. A few hours on the pavement can be hard on the feet. Remember, picketers have to keep moving, so as not to block pedestrian or street traffic. Dress conservatively.

9 - Prepare for a reaction from the cult. They will likely walk alongside you, bullbait you, push your buttons, and report back what you've said. The audience is not these OSA-types. It's the public, the new staff, the townspeople, and perhaps the media. If a Scientologist wishes to talk with you, let them know that you are picketing and if you wish and feel that you are able, you can set a later date to have a conversation. If you do feel that you would like to converse, please step away from the picket line and avoid heated arguments. Understand that a picket is not a shmooz- fest. It is walking with signs in a designated location and handing out literature.

10 - Certain people will be designated to talk to the media. Of course you may talk as well, but if you wish you may simply refer them to the proper person.

11 - This is a peaceful, calm picket. There should be no yelling or deliberate confrontation with Scientologists. We are here to voice our concern, not create an incident. If someone confronts you and attempts to goad you into some type of reaction, do NOT react in any way that could even be construed as aggressive. Simply walk away from that person.

12 - Handouts will be provided. If you wish to bring your own do NOT have anything that is other than fair use quotes from Scientology documents and writings for your documentation. Do not bring any flyers that denigrate the religion of Scientology. This is a protest against Scientology hurting people, it is not a slamfest of their religion.

13 - We will be on a public sidewalk exercising our Freedom of Speech rights guaranteed by the Constitution. No one but the police can order us to move, to give our name or any private information, or tell us how to picket. If someone demands information from you, you do not have to give it. If someone orders you around (again, other than the police) you do not have to obey. In the United States our Constitution guarantees us the right to express our displeasure in a peaceful, lawful manner.

14 - no glass containers. Have a garbage bag for any trash.

15- stay in the designated picketing area. Do not trespass on private property.

When a Scientology staffer used a syringe to force a mixture of aspirin, Benadryl and orange juice into McPherson's throat while others held her down, it was "spiritual sustenance," the church argues.

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