Lawyer for ex-Gloriavale members says community is run on child labour, slams Government for not intervening: Newshub

By Rebecca Wright | Molly Swift | Newshub |

A lawyer for ex-Gloriavale members says the sect depends on child labour, calling out the Government for turning a blind eye to “slavery in our country”.

Barrister Brian Henry has been leading the fight against the isolated Christian Community where he said the members have no choice and the leaders have “total power and control” over their lives.

Last week, the Employment Court ruled six former Gloriavale residents were employees – not volunteers – while living in the reclusive West Coast community.

Dubbed the ‘Glorivale six’, Serenity Pilgrim, Anna Courage, Rose Standtrue, Crystal Loyal, Pearl Valor and Virginia Courage said they were treated like slaves, primed for the job from birth and worked for many years under punishing conditions.

The decision has prompted the Education Review Office to investigate Gloriavale School after the judge found girls were only provided education to the extent it prepared them for their role within the community.

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