Lynn C. Woolsey: “I rise today in support of H. Res. 605, a resolution recognizing the continuing persecution of Falun Gong practitioners…”

“I rise today in support of H. Res. 605, a resolution recognizing the continuing persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. In 2002, I authored a resolution expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the Chinese Government's oppression of Falun Gong in the United States and in the People's Republic of China. Sadly, 8 years later, the persecution continues. People are being sent to jail, to work camps and are assaulted for their practice of Falun Gong. China has claimed that the Falun Gong practitioners are 'disturbing social order' and have labeled the practice an evil cult. International media reports have found that over 100 Falun Gong followers have died in the custody of the Chinese Government. All people, even those in China, have the internationally recognized freedoms of association and religion. The Chinese Government must put a stop to this inhumane persecution. I urge my colleagues, stand up for human rights and vote 'yes' on this resolution, H. Res. 605.”