Don't Try To Test Anthem Law, Warns Carrie Lam

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2019-01-15 HKT 12:26

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  Carrie Lam says it is common sense what would constitute an 'insult' to the national anthem. Photo: RTHK

Hongkongers should not try to challenge the city's national anthem law when it comes into force in the future, Chief Executive Carrie Lam warned on Tuesday.

She said the government has a duty to enact legislation to uphold the dignity of the "March of the Volunteers" and it will be "common sense" as to what would constitute "insulting" the anthem.

As long as people respect the anthem, Lam said, they will not need to fear being prosecuted.

The national anthem bill to be tabled to Legco next week for scrutiny will make disrespecting the national anthem a criminal offence punishable by a fine of HK$50,000 or three years in prison.

Pro-democracy lawmakers have already vowed to oppose the bill, saying it is far too vague, especially when it comes to defining what behaviour the authorities could deem to be an "insult."