You Can't Force Patriotism, Says New Lawmaker

Newly elected Neo Democrats lawmaker Gary Fan says the government's proposed national anthem law is forcing people to say they love the country when they should have the choice to do so of their own volition.

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

It also says all those present at an event where the anthem is played must stand up and show respect, while the use of the anthem in commercial advertisements, at private funerals, or as background music in public venues, would be unlawful.

Fan said: "To me the national anthem law is not necessary. We just cannot make loving our country compulsory.

"The reason we love our country is because the government does the right thing for the people; to protect the people; to do the rights things, to have a policy to take care of our livelihood. That is the reason we love our country.

"It is not because the government makes a law and forces you to love your country, it's just not necessary."

The government has also said that it believes primary and secondary schools should be required to teach students the anthem – how to sing the "March of the Volunteers", the history behind it, as well as the "spirit" of the anthem.