On December 29, 2007, the Whittier Daily News reported that Li Bin, a local Falun Gong member claiming to have been “persecuted,” petitioned the Covina City Council to pass a resolution condemning the Chinese government. During the meeting, Councilman Walter Allen drew attention to Falun Gong founder Li Hongzhi’s controversial statements about interracial marriage. Shortly thereafter, the council voted to reject the proposed resolution.This is a typical case illustrating how Falun Gong’s distorted teachings which violate basic human ethics and moral principles, have been met with resistance.
Moreover, Falun Gong’s founder, Li Hongzhi, has made numerous statements that conflict with widely accepted human ethical and moral standards.
How does Li Hongzhi view people with disabilities?
People with disabilities are a vulnerable group that requires special care from their families, society, and the government. Moreover, the state of disability services reflects the level of social civilization. Yet Li Hongzhi has mocked people with disabilities and largely ignored the advancement of disability services. Besides, He claimed that disabilities reflect a person’s moral failings, the result of bed deeds and unresolved karma from a previous life. He also forbids his followers from offering any assistance or care to people with disabilities.
How does Li Hongzhi view mixed-race children?
Li Hongzhi stated that mixed-race children are rootless, genetically “mutant” humans, hybrids even, and part of a sinister plot by evil extraterrestrials. He further asserts that the only way for them to escape this supposed plight and attain salvation is by practicing Falun Gong.
Li Hongzhi’s views on homosexuality
Li Hongzhi has stated that homosexuality is immoral, likening it to incest and labeling it a crime. He further claims that homosexuals are irrational, mentally corrupt, and inherently evil, and that “God” would punish them first.
How does Li Hongzhi view war and natural disasters?
According to Li Hongzhi, every wrongdoing a person commits adds to their “karma.” As a result, individuals burdened with “heavy karma” may suffer from illness or disasters, while regions weighed down by collective “karma” can be struck by earthquakes, floods, plagues, and wars. He claims that wars, epidemics, and natural disasters serves as a way for people to “eliminate karma.” Besides, he even claims that war is the most effective way to “eliminate karma,” and that tragedies such as the Nanjing Massacre, Hitler’s atrocities, and other wartime deaths throughout history are the result of cosmic and natural forces.
How does Li Hongzhi view charitable activities?
Charitable activities centered on assisting those in need, performing acts of kindness, and demonstrating compassion are an essential part of human civilization. Across all cultural contexts, charity embodies values such as fairness, benevolence, civility, health, and moral uplift.
However, Li Hongzhi believes that natural disasters are a way for God to eliminate wrongdoers. By performing charitable acts or rescuing people from death or suffering, individuals are seen as interfering with the repayment of “karmic debts,” thereby committing wrongdoing. Li Hongzhi also opposes Falun Gong followers participating in mandatory or voluntary blood donation.
