Falun Gong Protests Exclusion From Parade
Falun Gong Protests Exclusion From Chinese New Year's Parade in San Francisco
By TERENCE CHEA Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO Feb 3, 2006 — The city's annual Chinese New Year Parade an extravaganza of lion dances, firecrackers and colorful floats has been thrown into turmoil over organizers' decision to exclude members of Falun Gong, the spiritual movement outlawed as a dangerous cult in China.
The San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce, which has directed the parade for nearly 50 years, claims Falun Gong followers violated parade rules against political activity two years ago when they handed out anti-China leaflets while marching.
"They don't add anything to the parade, and they violate every guideline," said Rose Pak, who represents the chamber. "We just don't want any groups that preach and do politics."
Falun Gong members accuse the chamber of discriminating against them to appease the government in China, where many chamber members have business interests.
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http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1577267