Plano, TX- The Department of Justice opened an investigation into the religious discrimination charges made by Falun Gong members when their reservations were canceled, without warning, by Homestead Studio Suites in Houston.
The case, McCoy, et al. v. Homestead Studio Suites, et al, originated when 72 Falun Gong members were denied hotel accommodations after booking reservations a month prior to the day of arrival. The Falun Gong members arranged to stay at the Homestead Studio Suites while attending a peaceful protest of the Chinese dictator Jiang Zemin’s stay in Houston.
“Under federal law, private hotels and restaurants may not engage in religious discrimination against anyone,” said Hiram Sasser, director of litigation for Liberty Legal Institute.
The Falun Gong, also known as the Falun Dafa, is an Eastern religion designed to improve one’s moral character through five gentle exercises to purify the body. The religion is composed of many cultivation practices based on the universal principles of truthfulness, benevolence and forbearance.
Although this is only a preliminary investigation and does not mean that violations will be found, Liberty Legal Institute, who assisted the Falun Gong with the opening of the investigation, is pleased that the Department of Justice has intervened.
“We are encouraged that the Department of Justice takes claims of religious discrimination seriously, especially those made by minority religions, such as the Falun Gong,” Sasser said.