Falun Dafa's marching band has been shut out of another Auckland Christmas parade.
The group won't be marching in Panmure this weekend, despite taking part in previous years.
They were denied permission after the Panmure Chinese Association wrote to parade organisers saying there may be confrontations between Falun Dafa marchers and Chinese onlookers.
The letter from the association says the group's involvement will create a "political shadow to the event".
Falun Dafa Association spokesman Kerry Gore says there have never been any incidents in the seven years they have taken part.
"Falun Dafa is a peaceful, non-violent spiritual practice which condemns violence," he says.
Parade organiser Christine Sutton says the parade is focused on local groups who are actively involved in Panmure.
The Falun Dafa group is no longer a member of the business association, and did not take part in the parade last year.
Ms Sutton says she has a close relationship with the Chinese Association, which makes a major contribution to the area.
"Like any event we reserve the right to make a decision as to who we have," she says.
"Most of it's all community or child-focused and that's what we're interested in."
The Falun Dafa Divine Land Marching Band was left out of Sunday's Queen St parade after a failed High Court bid.
A judge last week denied an application to challenge their exclusion under the Bill of Rights Act.
Falun Dafa, or Falun Gong, is banned in China, and Auckland members are often seen protesting against the actions of the Chinese government.
The Panmure Chinese Association could not be reached for comment.
(Stuff.co.nz, Wednesday, December 3, 2008)
Original text from: http://www.stuff.co.nz/4780112a11.html
