'High Threshold' For Prosecuting Anthem Law

The Chief Secretary, Matthew Cheung, has sought to allay public fears about the proposed national anthem law, saying the bar for prosecution will be quite high, and as long as people are reasonably respectful there will be no problem.

A paper submitted to the Legislative Council has set out how altering, distorting or "insulting" the anthem could land offenders with fines of up to HK$50,000 or three years in prison.

Cheung said there will be plenty of time for the public to express their views.

"In fact our timetable now is to introduce the bill to the Legislative Council only in July before the summer recess. and there will be a long period of summer recess to digest and to listen to the views of the community.

"And then Legco resumes business after the summer recess there will be bills committee proceedings, again there will be careful deliberation and plenty of time to listen to the views of the community."

In the proposal put to Legco's Panel on Constitutional Affairs on Saturday, the government says students should also learn the history of the "March of the Volunteers" and understand its "spirit". They should also know how to behave when the anthem is played, the government says.

The document, which is for lawmakers to discuss before they enact legislation to outlaw disrespect for the national anthem, also suggests making it illegal for anyone to alter or distort the lyrics.

The paper states that the Chief Executive will prescribe the occasions where the national anthem must be sung, and those singing or performing it must follow the correct lyrics and score, stand up, and conduct themselves respectfully.