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Council divided over resolution supporting Falun Gong practice
Summary
Councilmembers debated a revised resolution affirming Falun Gong's right to religious practice and protesting persecution in China; supporters described it as defending freedom of religion, while critics said the county should avoid taking positions on foreign or religious matters.
A revised resolution (R25-151) affirming Falun Gong members' freedom of religion drew split views among New Castle County council members at the Aug. 26 committee meeting.
Councilwoman Kilpatrick introduced the revised text and described it as a statement that "Falun Gong is a religion ... and everybody in this country has the right to practice the religion that they believe in." She characterized the measure as a defense of religious freedom in response to persecution the group faces in China.
Opponents argued that the county legislative body should avoid taking positions on foreign policy or endorsing particular religious groups. "I do not see the reason as a public legislative body we're gonna start supporting certain religions," Councilman Koneko said, adding that the council must remain viewpoint-neutral and that such resolutions set a difficult precedent.
Other council members framed the measure as a human-rights or freedom-of-religion statement rather than an endorsement of doctrine. Councilman Hollins referenced historical examples of local governments expressing political support on human-rights issues and said he intended to vote for the resolution.
The committee discussed constituent reactions and concerns about how the original resolution had been drafted and publicized; no final committee vote on R25-151 was recorded in committee minutes. Members urged clarity in language and cautioned about the body’s role in addressing international matters in future resolutions.
