Falun Gong takes on Wellington City Council

Photo / Andrew Bonallack

Chinese spiritual group Falun Gong is taking Wellington City Council to court after being refused permission to be involved in cultural events in the capital.

Human Rights lawyer Tony Ellis will file papers in the High Court this week, asking a judge to review the city council's decision-making process.

Falun Gong says the organisers of Wellington's Cuba Street Carnival and Chinese New Year Parade allowed its brass band and dancers to take part.

However, the council overturned those decisions, labelling Falun Gong a political group and saying it could not join in the festivities.

Mr Ellis said one of the matters to be considered was the basis on which political expression could be banned.

- NZPA