(Minghui.org) On July 20, 1999, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched statewide brutal persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. Every year around July 20, Falun Gong practitioners from around the world gather at the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, to hold marches and rallies, calling for the United States, other countries, and individuals to help end the CCP's persecution of Falun Gong. To mark this occassion, United States Senator Herb Kohl wrote the following letter expressing his support. Cole has served as Senator for Wisconsin since 2007.

United States Senate

Washington, D. C. 20510

July 9, 2012

Dear Friends:

Please accept my warmest greetings as you gather for a rally that will focus on shared concerns for the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China.

As Americans, we are truly fortunate to have certain inalienable rights such as freedom of religion. We see time and time again that this freedom is not universal. That is why, throughout my time in the Senate, I have worked with many of my colleagues to support and preserve religious freedoms for people across the globe. As a signatory of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibits the persecution of individuals based on their religious beliefs, our country has urged China to release those who have been detained and live up to the commitment they made when they signed this declaration. It is through these efforts and more, that freedom of religion can transcend from an American right to a basic human right.

Best wishes to all who gather to promote religious tolerance around the world.

Sincerely,

Herb Kohl

U.S. Senate