(Clearwisdom.net) The San Francisco 2008 Chinese New Year Parade was held on February 23. Under the apparent influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the parade hosting organization -- the Chinese Chamber of Commerce -- once again barred Falun Gong practitioners from participating. The local police department, however, designated an area for the practitioners to display information which explained the facts about the persecution in China. Many spectators, after learning about the case, expressed their support.

Falun Gong demonstration area during the New Year Parade

Local Falun Gong practitioners gathered at the designated area around 2 p.m. Practitioners in yellow exercise suites demonstrated the Falun gong exercises and the Divine Marching Band performed several numbers, including "Falun Dafa is Good". In addition, numerous banners explaining the facts about Falun Gong and the persecution were displayed.

Practitioner Wu said: "We came here today to clarify the truth to our fellow citizens. In the US, it is completely unnatural to have this kind of discrimination. Today, we are demonstrating the beauty of Falun Dafa with exercises, musical performances and dancing. We are letting people know that we are always peaceful in any circumstance."

Regarding the fact that the Chinese Chambers of Commerce once again barred Falun Gong from participating in the parade, Sherry Zhang, a local Falun Gong spokesperson, said that this case is closely tied to the persecution in China. "Unfortunately, the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco not only bars practitioners from the parade but also runs activities against Falun Gong," said Zhang.

"It is completely unacceptable for the CCP to export its persecution policy to the US. Though local police authorities have always been on our side and requested the parade organizers to allow us into the parade, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce is apparently influenced by the CCP and is executing its persecution policies in the US. On the other hand, more and more citizens have openly expressed their support for us. We are sure that the CCP's persecution of Falun Gong cannot go on much longer and we will be in the parade in the future." Zhang stated.

Veronica is from Fremont. After learning that the Chinese Chamber of Commerce refused to let practitioners participate in the parade, she said that no one has the right to bar any group because of its religious affiliation.

Ms. Chen from Taiwan came to watch the parade with her husband and child. She said that there are many Falun Gong practitioners in Taiwan and people respect each other regardless of their religious background. When she learned that Falun Gong was not allowed to participate in the parade, she was shocked. "This should not have happened, everyone has freedom of belief."

Juan and his friends watched the performance of the Divine Marching Band. He said: "I think Falun Gong should be part of this parade. America is a free country and this is not China. I can't understand how such a thing can happen and who made this decision. I think we should do something."