On July 21, 2005, when the Washington D.C. Rally to End the Persecution of Falun Gong was held, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen was one of the principal speakers. The Honourable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen has been a longtime supporter of Falun Gong and the rights of Falun Gong practitioners.
The following is the text of her address.
It is truly an honour to be here today surrounded by so many friends and people who understand the meaning of liberty and freedom of expression.
Our journey has been a difficult one but you have demonstrated your resilience and your inner strength, a strength that stems from your deep-rooted beliefs and your profound conviction.
I have supported and introduced several bills in the US House of Representatives that address the systematic crackdown against Falun Gong practitioners by Beijing, with the goal of bringing justice to the thousands of men and women who have been persecuted by the cowardly, communist Chinese regime.
We are here today to continue our battle against the vicious persecution, torture and murder of Falun Gong practitioners across the world. I honour you for your commitment and resolve in fighting for freedom of expression and conscience. The United States has always prided itself on the guarantee of equality for all its citizens.
Freedom of belief, freedom of speech, freedom to practise our beliefs are all freedoms which we hold sacred. And yet, these are the freedoms that the Chinese Regime denies its citizens. Using intimidation and undue influence, Chinese officials have attempted to export this oppressive denial of basic human rights to practitioners worldwide.
It is indeed the duty and obligation of the Untied States Government to condemn the denial of freedom by the oppressive and tyrannical regime in Beijing.
The People's Republic of China must not attempt, in any way, to influence or repress followers of Falun Gong who attempt to practise their belief within the United States. Freedom of expression ceases to exist when a specific group is targeted for their practices and is oppressed.
Without this freedom, without the idea that humanity is allowed to follow a belief, without the precious word and practise of liberty, the government of the United States, founded upon these very principles, ceases to perform its main function - ensuring the rights of its people.
Together, we will prevail.
As a political refugee who fled a Communist dictatorship, I truly understand your cause. I vow that I will continue to work with great fervour so that Falun Gong can practise without persecution or harassment.
Thank you for this great honour and know that we, Members of Congress, fully support your noble cause.
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