The case of Tai Ji Men shows possible abuse of democracy, and how building alliances and mobilizing friendly media can help.
by Peter Zoehrer*
*A paper presented at the webinar “Parliaments, Democracy, and Tai Ji Men,” co-organized by CESNUR and Human Rights Without Frontiers on June 30, 2024, United Nations International Day of Parliamentarism
Democracy and parliamentarianism are foundational pillars of modern governance, promising transparency, accountability, and peaceful conflict resolution. However, their robustness is tested when these systems interact with unique cultural or spiritual groups. The Tai Ji Men case, involving a Taiwanese spiritual and martial arts organization, vividly illuminates these challenges.
Table of Contents
Democracy and Its Complexities
At its core, democracy empowers the people, either directly or through elected representatives, and is grounded in principles of political equality, the rule of law, and individual rights. Parliamentarianism, a variant of democracy, features an executive branch accountable to the legislature, emphasizing checks and balances and the role of elected officials in crafting and enforcing laws. These principles aim to foster a transparent, accountable, and inclusive system that resolves conflicts peacefully and protects minority rights.
However, implementing these principles is fraught with challenges. Corruption, power abuses, and the marginalization of minorities can severely undermine democratic fairness and effectiveness. Numerous instances worldwide highlight these vulnerabilities, including the Tai Ji Men case.
The Tai Ji Men Case: Legal and Spiritual Battles
Legally established in 1966 by Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy integrates martial arts with traditional Chinese culture and self-cultivation practices for holistic well-being. Despite its positive impact and international acclaim, Tai Ji Men has faced relentless legal and political challenges. In 1996, a Taiwanese prosecutor accused the organization of tax evasion and other charges, leading to a protracted legal battle that raises serious concerns about the fairness and integrity of Taiwan’s legal and political systems.
Central to the dispute are allegations of unpaid taxes on monetary gifts from members, which Tai Ji Men asserts are voluntary donations exempt from taxation due to their religious and traditional nature. Despite numerous court rulings, including from the Supreme Court, affirming that no tax evasion occurred, tax authorities continued to pursue the case, inflicting ongoing financial and reputational damage on the organization.
Key Issues Highlighted by the Tai Ji Men Case
1. Challenges for Cultural Minorities: Cultural and spiritual minorities often face significant challenges within legal and political systems that may not fully understand or respect their practices. This struggle is not unique to Taiwan; it is a common issue in many democracies worldwide. Minority groups frequently struggle for fair treatment and recognition, as seen in numerous European countries.
2. Abuse of State Power: The persistence of tax authorities in pursuing the Tai Ji Men case, despite multiple court rulings in favor of the organization, highlights a potential abuse of power. This raises serious questions about the adequacy of safeguards for individual and group rights within democratic frameworks. It underscores the importance of having robust mechanisms to prevent governmental overreach and ensure that all branches of government respect judicial decisions.
3. Role of the Judiciary: The repeated court rulings in favor of Tai Ji Men underscore the judiciary’s crucial role in upholding justice and protecting rights. However, the persistent actions of the tax authorities reveal the limitations of judicial decisions when executive agencies fail to comply. A robust democracy hinges on strict adherence to the rule of law by all institutions. The judiciary must not only deliver fair judgments but also ensure that these judgments are respected and enforced by other branches of government.
Mobilizing Media and Coalitions for Change
To address the challenges highlighted by the Tai Ji Men case effectively, mainstream and social media, alongside inter-religious coalitions, can play crucial roles:
1. Media Engagement: Media outlets should actively cover cases like Tai Ji Men to inform the public about the challenges faced by cultural and spiritual minorities. In Taiwan, which ranks 27th in press freedom in 2024, journalists can leverage this relatively high degree of press freedom to report on such cases. This ranking is notably five places better than Austria, illustrating Taiwan’s capacity for impactful journalism. By raising awareness, the media can play a vital role in advocating for the rights of minority groups and holding government institutions accountable. We should remember that one of the basic tenets for media is speaking truth to power!
2. Social Media Advocacy: Social media platforms can be powerful tools for advocacy, allowing individuals and groups to rally support and exert pressure on government institutions to adhere to the rule of law. Tai Ji Men has a specific advantage with many young professionals who are digital natives. Online campaigns and petitions can draw international attention, encouraging democratic nations to uphold their principles. In 2022, Taiwan became an observer to the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, which works to protect religious minorities and fight discrimination. Such alliances can be bolstered by social media advocacy, amplifying the voices of marginalized groups and promoting global solidarity.
3. Inter-Religious Coalitions: Building alliances among various religious and cultural groups can offer a unified voice advocating for the rights of spiritual and cultural minorities. These coalitions can engage in dialogue with government officials, providing insights into the unique practices and beliefs of various groups, thereby fostering mutual respect and understanding. Taiwan’s former President Tsai Ing-wen, in her 2022 remarks at the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance forum, emphasized the importance of protecting religious minorities and fighting discrimination. The new president, William Lai, can be held to account for the same promise.
Establishing Sustainable Alliances
Based on the experiences of decade-long advocacy for religious freedom, one key principle for success clearly emerged: living for others. This core tenet, shared by many religious teachings, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing collective well-being over self-interest. Sustainable alliances and coalitions are most effective when they are founded on this principle. By focusing on mutual support and shared goals, diverse groups can form powerful coalitions that make a lasting impact on society.
