Govt Proposes Changes To SAR Flag And Emblem Laws

The government on Tuesday proposed changes to laws on the SAR flag and emblem, saying the move is aimed at better protecting the integrity of the regional symbols.

The plan would align the regional flag laws with the national flag and national emblem law, which was amended in late 2021 following approval from the country’s top legislature.

In a paper submitted to Legco, the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said it's proposing to further clarify the provisions of offences that amount to desecrating the SAR flag and emblem.

"The proposed amendments will enhance the protection of the regional flag and regional emblem by clarifying that the provisions on related offences cover desecrating behaviour in both real life and over the internet," it said.

The bureau added that it will come up with a list of organisations required to put the regional emblem in a prominent position on the home page of their websites, spell out the conditions under which the national and SAR flags are to be flown at half mast, and specify requirements for raising and lowering the SAR flag.

The bureau also said officials intend to prescribe by law how a person should behave when the regional flag is raised.

The authorities also want to add a provision requiring the secretary for education to give directions to include the regional flag and emblem in primary and secondary education.