Schools Will Find Adhering To Anthem Law Easy: Nip

The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Patrick Nip, on Saturday played down concerns that international schools in Hong Kong may have difficulty complying with a proposed national anthem law.

The Legislative Council is scrutinising the legislation, which criminalises disrespect or misuse of the 'March of the Volunteers'.

Local schools, including international and special schools, will also be required to learn and sing the anthem.

"I don't think the international schools will have any problem doing that," Nip said. "The international school themselves are also embracing diversity and respect for others."

"In actual implementation, it will be school-based, relying on the professional expertise and judgement of schools and teachers. If they have any problem, the Education Bureau will provide all the necessary support to them."

The legislation, which was tabled at Legco earlier this month, sets out three-year prison terms and fines of HK$50,000 for offenders.

The National People's Congress Standing Committee enacted its own legislation outlawing disrespect for the anthem in October 2017.