Proclamation Text The Council City of New York Proclamation WHEREAS: The Council of the City of New York is proud to honor and commend the Falun Dafa movement, founded by Li Hong Zhi, in recognition of their teachings of peace and spirituality, and for their courage and perseverance in the face of oppression by the People's Republic of China; and WHEREAS: Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) was introduced to the public in 1992 and since then gained over 100 million adherents in over 30 countries; and WHEREAS: The Falun Dafa system, through which its practitioners cultivate both mind and body, has improved the health, elevated the mind and uplifted the spirit of those who follow its tenets; and WHEREAS: Falun Dafa offers moral guidance to those in need, turning many away from harmful pursuits and towards more meaningful engagements with the worlds; and WHEREAS: Although the practice is banned in the People's republic of China, practitioners of Falun Dafa persevere in the pursuit of their spiritual beliefs, risking imprisonment or worse; and WHEREAS: Despite the disapprobation of the world community, the Chinese government continues to suppress Falun Dafa literature and persecute practitioners; and WHEREAS: The courage of conviction to adhere to one's faith, despite threat to life and liberty should be honored by all freedom-loving people; now, therefore BE IT KNOWN: That the Council of the city of New York honors the

FALUN DAFA movement, and its founder Li Hong Zhi for their courage and perseverance. Signed this 29th day of November in the year Two Thousand. (signature) SHELDON S. LEFFLER Council Member, 23rd District Queens