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2001/08/14 City Council Resolution (13)City of ROHNERT Resolution No. 2001- 177 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK Recognizing Falun Gong Practitioners' Freedom of Belief As a Basic Human Right and Supporting the Call to Rescue Falun Gong Practitioners Persecuted in China City Council Jake Mackenzie Mayor WHEREAS, Falun Gong, also know as Falun Dafa, is a peaceful spiritual practice for mind and body improvement through traditional Chinese exercises and meditation; and Armando F. Flores Vice Mayor WHEREAS, the teachings of Falun Gong, which are based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Vicki Vida k- Martineand Forbearance, have helped numerous people enhance their physical, mental, and spiritual well being; and James J. Reilly, Jr. Linda Spiro Councilmembers WHEREAS, Falun Gong is practiced freely in 40 countries and, since Mr. Li Hongzhi introduced the practice to the public in 1992, has benefited over 100 million people including many in our local communities; and Joseph D. Netter City Manager WHEREAS, Falun Gong practitioners have been courageously and peacefully appealing for their rights to practice their beliefs freely - even in the face of cruel persecution and torture; and WHEREAS, it has been reported that the Chinese government has escalated its persecution of Falun Gong practitioners which has led to massive arrests and many deaths; and WHEREAS, Falun Gong practitioners' commitment to the civil and human rights of all people, as well as the great compassion and tolerance they continue to demonstrate while under the most severe conditions, has touched the heart of every fair - minded human being; and WHEREAS, thousands of Falun Gong practitioners and supporters gathered in Washington D.C. on July 19, 2001 to call for the urgent rescue of the Falun Gong practitioners who are persecuted in China and in need of our utmost support. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Rohnert Park that it does hereby uphold the Falun Gong practitioners' freedom of belief which is recognized universally as a basic human right as affirmed by the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights. 6750 Commerce BOUleVard > Rohnert Park, CA 94928 -2486 a (707) 588 -2226 a Fax (707) 588 -2263 www.rpcity.org