Hybridous-
One of the points Ms. Spiess validated in her exoneration goes something like this -
To inflict (or even threaten) punishment upon others for not performing an act which can only be valid if done in accord with their individual consciences' - constitutes ecclesiastic coercion.
It is not a crime to hate, nor is shunning a crime. It is a crime to incite others to hate, it is a criminal act to emotionally harm others, especially youngsters, or to inflict psychological abuse - which can be longer lasting and harder to treat than physical assaults.
A real life example from JWland. A JW grandfather (to MANY grandchildren) has slowly become an alcoholic in his own home, as a way to cope with his JW wifes complaining, bitchy demanding character. She reports him, and then again later. and then again. Theres JC, he is disfellowshipped and his own beloved grandchildren are coerced into shunning an old man who hasn't harmed a single one of them.
Those young people didn't really have a true choice of conscience as they had been conditioned throughout their lives with the systemic coercions of groupthink, cult-loyalty, unity at all costs, and punishment to all who question, disagree or transgress.
No real soil to grow an actual conscience there is there?