No known recognition as a religion. As of 2012, it was officially recognised as a cult. Australia The High Court of Australia has ruled that Scientology is a religion. Austria Tax-exempt status as a charitable organization. It is not recognized as a religious association in Austria. Belgium In 2005 Scientology's application for the status of a recognized religion was refused. Brazil Not registered as a religion. Registered as a non-religious "private association" under CNPJ number 05.586.122/0001-25. The organization has the following registered activities: sound recording and music edition, book publishing, distribution of movies, videos and TV programs. Canada The 1997 Freedom of religion and belief: a world report by the Human Rights Centre of the University of Essex stated that "the Church of Scientology has been recognised as a religion [in Canada] through several administrative decisions on matters such as tax exemption and authorisation to perform marriages." The Varsity, a student newspaper, reported in 2007 that the Church of Scientology's ministers can perform marriages in Canada and that Scientologist public servants are allowed to take time off work for Scientologist holidays. A 2008 article in the Torontoist stated that the Church does not have status as a federally registered charity for tax purposes. Religious scholars Douglas E. Cowan and David G. Bromley stated in a 2006 publication that "Scientology has yet to receive official recognition as a religion in Canada". Chile As of 2009, Scientology had been considered a cult. The Constitution of Chile provides for freedom of religion, and a religious group in Chile may apply for legal public right status (comprehensive religious nonprofit status). As of 2012, Scientology did not have legal religious recognition. China China recognises just five state-sanctioned religions, and Scientology is not one of them. Colombia No known recognition. Costa Rica Scientology was recognized as a religion in Costa Rica in 1991. Croatia Croatia recognizes Scientology as a religion since 22 December 2003 Czech Republic Not registered as a religion (it is not recorded in the register of churches and religious societies). Dianetic centers are registered as associations. Denmark In Denmark the Church of Scientology is not officially approved as a religion. It first applied for approval in the early 1970s; two further unsuccessful applications followed in 1976 and 1982. In mid-1997, the Church of Scientology filed a fourth application, which was suspended at their own request in 2000. In suspending their application, the Church