US State Officials Commemorate World Falun Dafa Day

Falun Dafa was introduced to the public in China in 1992, seven years before the Chinese regime launched a systematic elimination campaign targeting the group.

Falun Gong practitioners take part in a parade to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day and call for an end to the Chinese Communist Party's persecution of the practice in China, in New York City on May 9, 2025. Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times

U.S. state officials nationwide have issued proclamations, citations, and congratulatory letters to recognize World Falun Dafa Day, which is observed annually on May 13.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore issued a proclamation and citation, respectively, for the designation, ahead of the celebrations at many cities around the world marking the 26th anniversary of the occasion, which was first observed in 2000.

“Falun Gong transcends cultural and racial boundaries and contributes to the universal dream of a peaceful, tolerant, and more compassionate society,” Kotek’s proclamation reads.

“Falun Gong practitioners’ determination and courage to stand up for the principles of Truthfulness—Compassion—Tolerance in the face of severe persecution has shown the world the value of life and preciousness of human dignity.”

A proclamation commemorating World Falun Dafa Day issued by Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. Courtesy of Minghui.org

The three principles—truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance—are the core moral beliefs behind the teachings of Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, a spiritual practice introduced to the Chinese public in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi. The practice’s popularity grew exponentially, reaching at least 70 million by 1999, according to official estimates. Perceiving that the group’s widespread appeal was undermining its iron grip on Chinese society, the CCP responded with a brutal persecution that same year, and the abuses continue to this day.

In 2024, there were 164 newly reported deaths of practitioners due to the CCP’s persecution, with the oldest person dying being a 91-year-old woman from northern China’s Heilongjiang Province, according to Minghui.org, a U.S.-based website that tracks the regime’s persecution of the group.

In New York, some members of the state Legislature issued either a citation or a letter, including Assembly Members Doug Smith, Karl Brabenec, Jodi Giglio, and John Mikulin.

“In recognition of May 13th, 2025, as World Falun Dafa Day in the State of New York, we urge all citizens to join in recognizing the contributions of Falun Dafa practitioners, and to support heir effort to promote peace, health, and harmony across the world, as well as their courage and resilience in the face of persecution by the Chinese Communist Party,” the four assembly members stated in their joint citation dated May 13.

A citation commemorating World Falun Dafa Day issued by New York Assembly Members Doug Smith, Karl Brabenec, Jodi Giglio, and John Mikulin. The Epoch Times

In a letter dated May 13, New York Sen. April Baskin stated that this “special day” offers “renewed hope for a future free from oppression.”

“Falun Dafa practitioners have stood firm in peacefully exposing the truth and warning the world about the destructive nature of the CCP’s authoritarian ideology,” the letter reads.

To mark the special occasion, thousands of Falun Gong practitioners marched across Manhattan in a parade on May 9. In a separate event held on May 11, practitioners organized dance and music performances at Union Square.

Some state officials from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Illinois, and Maryland have also issued similar documents in support of Falun Gong.

Pennsylvania Sen. Mary Isaacson highlighted in her citation how some Falun Gong practitioners have become victims of China’s state-sanctioned practice of forced organ harvesting.

A citation commemorating World Falun Dafa Day issued by Pennsylvania Sen. Mary Isaacson. The Epoch Times

On May 7, the House of Representatives passed the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act (HR 1503) by a vote of 406–1. If enacted, the legislation would sanction anyone implicated in the abuse, including revoking visas and blocking U.S. property transactions. Additionally, individuals who willfully engage in the act could face a criminal penalty of up to $1 million in fines and 20 years in prison.

The legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration.

In a post on the social media platform X on May 7, the Washington-based Uyghur American Association thanked the 406 House lawmakers who voted to support the legislation.

“We will continue to advocate for its swift passage in the Senate and for this vital bill to be signed into law,” the association wrote.

Bob Fu, a pastor and founder of U.S.-based Christian nonprofit ChinaAid, urged Congress to pass the legislation in an X post on May 7.

“This bipartisan bill combats China’s horrific practice of forcibly harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong practitioners and Uyghurs,” Fu wrote.

“No more silence. No more complicity. Say NO to Crimes Against Humanity.”