Speech by Mrs. Lantos

I am Mrs. Lantos, Director of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, representing my husband, Congressman Tom Lantos, who is the founding democratic Chairman of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus and top democrat on the House International Relations Committee. He wants all of you to know that his fight against the outrageous persecution of Falun Gong members will go on with renewed vigor following the appalling decision of the International Olympic Committee to grant China the right to host the 2008 Olympics.

The right to practice one's religious beliefs is one of the most fundamental rights of all citizens in any decent society. While China may be admitted to various international organizations, it will not be a member of the civilized world community until it stops persecuting members of Falun Gong and other religious groups, and accords all its citizens the dignity and respect every person in China is entitled to.

We shall stand with you in your fight for religious freedom in China and we shall prevail.