MEDIA STATEMENT 08/05/2025
The Falun Dafa Association of Australia (FDA) is deeply concerned about recent media reports that have misrepresented the Falun Dafa (Falun Gong) spiritual practice and other related organisations such as Shen Yun Performing Arts.
Several reports echoed disinformation promoted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), aligning—intentionally or not—with the CCP’s ongoing global campaign to suppress and vilify Falun Gong practitioners. These narratives were documented in leaked CCP directives exposed in 2024.
This media environment has contributed to real-world harm: since 2024, Shen Yun performers and Falun Gong community members have been subjected to bomb threats, harassment and intimidation. (For a detailed time-line of events please click here)
We urge journalists, legislators and the public to respect human rights and oppose any form of religious vilification, discrimination and bias.
Falun Dafa Association’s Position
Religious bias is vilification
False or misleading coverage that incites hostility toward Falun Gong amounts to religious vilification and, in some jurisdictions, may breach anti-discrimination law.
Misinformation causes harm
Inaccurate reporting can legitimise persecution, fuel prejudice and directly harm those targeted—especially when such narratives echo foreign state propaganda.
Australian law needs to catch up
While some states offer limited protections, there is no national legal framework that adequately addresses religious vilification or protects affected communities.
Solidarity is strength
We stand with all groups facing religious or racial discrimination. A united voice is essential to confronting hate and misinformation.
Impact matters more than intent
Even if media does not intend harm, the consequences of careless reporting can be profound. Media outlets must apply rigorous due diligence when covering faith communities.
“As the national body representing Australian Falun Dafa practitioners, the FDA calls for a fair, fact-based public conversation—one that rejects imported hate and embraces shared Australian values of kindness, tolerance and truth.,” says Dr Lucy Zhao, FDA President.
The U.S. House of Representatives this week passed the Falun Gong Protection Act with unanimous bipartisan support. The Bill not only condemns the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong practitioners but also calls for sanctions on perpetrators of forced organ harvesting, surveillance and transnational repression (H.R.4132 full text).
On May 13, we celebrate World Falun Dafa Day, marking 33 years since the practice’s public introduction in China. Falun Dafa’s guiding principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance continue to inspire millions of people in over 100 countries worldwide, bringing physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
“We invite all Australians to celebrate these universal values and stand against vilification in any form,” says Dr Zhao.
SYDNEY LOCAL CELEBRATIONS:
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Thursday May 8 12:30 – 1:30 |
Grand Parade Martin Place to Belmore Park |
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Saturday May 10 11am – 2pm |
Rally and Performance Celebrations, Sydney Town Hall |
Media Liaison Contact:
Sonya Bryskine