by KIM SHAW
FALUN Dafa, a group espousing truth, tolerance and forbearance was
silenced
by Ashfield Council last week in line with the Chinese Government’s ban
on
the organisation.
Andrew Toirkens, a local Falun Dafa practitioner asked to address
council on
the activities of the group in the area.
He asked to speak on the gentle exercise classes held in Ashfield Park
and
Ashfield Boys High School. “I would also like to express my
understanding
about what is happening in China to Falun Dafa practitioners in this
country
and when travelling overseas,” he wrote.
Falun Dafa are practitioners of Falun Gong, a spiritual practice
stemming
from ancient Chinese meditation systems, now banned in China.
Ashfield Mayor Mark Bonanno said many of Ashfield’s Chinese population
was
from the mainland and he did not want to endanger the livelihood of any
locals.
“If China isn’t telling us how to fix our foothpaths, I won’t be telling
them how to conduct their internal affairs,” he said.
He said that either the applicant not address council or that council
heard
from both sides.
“I’ve had many representations from the consulate over this,” he said.
“As Mayor I don’t want us to have anything to do with it. I urge council
to
take no further action.
“If there is open debate, we place at risk our good relationship with
the
government.”
Cr Ted Cassidy said Falun Dafa should be going to the Federal Member,
not
Local Government.
Cr Emma Brooks Maher said her neighbour’s husband and 18-year-old
daughter
were imprisoned in Beijing for more than two weeks.
“It affects people here where we live,” she said.
“Falun Dafa people believe in truth, tolerance and forbearance.
“Throughout history, political issues have been made of people who
preach
truth.”
Cr Karin Cheung questioned council staff over which facilities the group
was
using in Ashfield. Community services manager Gerard Howard said they
were
using the town hall for ballroom dancing.
Posting date: 20/Feb/2003
Original article date: 18/Feb/2003
Category: Media Reports
