HK Schools Should Have To Teach Anthem: Govt

The government says it believes it should be a requirement for primary and secondary schools in the SAR to teach their students the national anthem.

In a legislative proposal put to Legco's Panel on Constitutional Affairs, 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.

It must not be performed in a manner that is harmful to the "dignity" of the national anthem, the document says.

It also suggests that anyone altering or distorting the anthem, or using it in advertisements, as background music or at private funerals, should face a penalty of up to HK$50,000 or three years in prison.

These maximum penalties would be in line with those already in place for anyone found guilty of desecrating the national flag.

Legco's Panel on Constitutional Affairs is to meet next Friday to discuss the proposals.

Last November, the National People's Congress Standing Committee voted to introduce a national anthem law into Annex III of Hong Kong's Basic Law. The move came a month after the mainland enacted its own legislation outlawing disrespect for the anthem.