(Minghui.org) On July 20, 2012, New York State Assembly Member Alan N. Maisel wrote the following letter to Falun Gong practitioners, expressing his support for human rights and defending the critical freedom of religious and spiritual practices. He recognized Falun Gong practitioners for their tireless efforts against persecution.

THE ASSEMBLY

STATE OF NEW YORK

ALBANY

July 20, 2012

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I am pleased to express my support for human rights and to defend the critical freedom of religious and spiritual practices. I deeply appreciate your dedicated efforts and commitment to raising awareness of the ongoing persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners in China since 1999. I am proud to add my voice to your call for an end to the violence and oppression against those who embrace the practice of Falun Dafa.

I strongly believe that all spiritual values should be respected, and that no group that worships peacefully, should face violence in return. Although the supporters of Falun Dafa have seen a great deal of violence, they have not responded with aggression or hostility. I encourage the Chinese Government to not see the practitioners as a threat to their political party, for the group has not sought to impact the nation politically, rather they seek to impact the health and well-being of its citizens in a positive way.

I thank all of you attending the rally today in City Hall Park, and I salute you for your continued struggles to ensure that all Chinese citizens will soon have the freedom to express and practice their spiritual beliefs. We might differ in our spiritual and religious beliefs, but we are similar in that we all need compassion and justice. I hope the Falun Dafa will receive their much deserved compassion and justice.

Sincerely,

Alan N. Maisel

Member of Assembly