United States: New York State's Capital City Unanimously Passes Resolution in Support of Falun Gong

On July the 8th 2004, The Albany City Common Council unanimously (12 to zero) passed resolution 44.71.04R in support of the rights and freedom of those who practise Falun Gong. This is the second unanimously passed resolution that supports Falun Gong. The first one, 71.122.00R, was passed on December the 18th 2000.

A copy of this resolution will be forwarded to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, Congressman Michael McNulty, United States Senator Charles Schumer and United States Senator Hillary Clinton.

The Resolution was issued on August the 30th 2004. Below is the text of the Resolution.

Council Member Brown offered the following, which was approved:

Resolution Numbers 44.71.04R

Resolution of the Albany Common Council in Support of the Rights and Freedom of Those Who Practice the Self-Improvement Activity of Falun Dafa.

Whereas, the peaceful practice of religious beliefs is formally recognized as an essential human rights in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and in many documents with universal appeal that celebrate human liberty; and

Whereas, the practice of Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) is rooted in ancient Chinese culture and involves the peaceful cultivation of mind, body and spirit with the emphasis on the universal principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance; and

Whereas, tens of millions of people from different nations, races, social and cultural backgrounds have willingly embarked upon a path of self-improvement through the practice of Falun Dafa; and

Whereas, while the people of the New York State who practice Falun Dafa freely enjoy its benefits, many people in the People's Republic of China who peacefully participate in the practice of Falun Dafa have been oppressed by the totalitarian control of the Chinese government; and

Whereas, more than 949 Falun Dafa practitioners are known to have been tortured to death by the government of the People's Republic of China for their belief in freedom; and

Whereas, the practice of Falun Dafa remains banned by the government of the People's Republic of China in violation of basic human rights and practitioners continue to be imprisoned and tortured for their peaceful participation in this non-violent means of expression; and

Whereas, the practitioner's of Falun Dafa have demonstrated a courage and dedication to adhere to one's faith despite the threat to life and liberty that should be honored and supported by all freedom loving people; and

Whereas, the Albany Common Council is the legislative body that represents the interests of all residents of the City of Albany and the Council's constituents have demonstrated an interest in supporting the right to religious freedom and ethical practice as a fundamental human right.

Now Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Common Council of the City of Albany hereby strongly urges and calls upon the People's Republic of China to respect the human rights of those who practice Falun Dafa in a peaceful and non-violent manner.

Be It Further Resolved, the Common Council of the City of Albany hereby directs that a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be forwarded to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, Congressman Michael McNulty, United States Senator Charles Schumer and United States Senator Hillary Clinton for their consideration so they may take appropriate action regarding this important human rights matter.

Resolution Number 44.71.04R was Co-Sponsored by Council Members Conti, Curry-Cobb, Foskey, Fox, and Scalzo.

Passed by the following vote of all the Council Members elected voting in favor thereof:

Affirmative -- Brown, Calsolaro, Conti, Curry-Cobb, Foskey, Fox, Igoe, Morris, O'Brien, Sano, Scalzo, and Torncello

Affirmative 12 Negative 0 Abstain 0

I, John C. Marsolais, City Clerk and Clerk of the Common Council, do hereby certify that the legislation set forth in this document was passed at the meeting of the Albany Common Council on July 8th, 2004.

In Affirmation thereof, I hereto set my hand and affix the Seal of the City of Albany this 30th day of August 2004.

(Signature)
City Clerk and Clerk of the Common Council