National symbols should be protected by law from disrespect

Later this month, Hong Kong’s Legislative Council will debate the introduction of a new law which aims to protect the Chinese national anthem, The March of the

Volunteers, from disrespectful acts. For the reasons set out below, this draft legislation could usefully be widened to introduce legal sanctions against those deliberately disrespecting all national anthems, flags and other national symbols. Just a few days ago, Germany introduced a new law making the burning of any country’s national flag a custodial offense. This is a very diplomatic decision worthy of emulation by all.

At large sports stadiums in the United States, many citizens felt outraged when some players demonstrated their dissatisfaction on certain social issues by kneeling when their national anthem, The

Star-Spangled Banner, is played before the match. This is not a suitable moment to protest, and by doing so, they are deemed to be insulting their country’s symbols and their fellow Americans, as their president has pointed out.

Even more disgracefully, at sports matches where Hong Kong teams are competing, numerous local fans boo the playing of the Chinese national anthem. Many of them raucously shout out in unison, and in English: “We are Hong Kong.” Yes, these protesting youngsters are doubtless part of Hong Kong, but by their negative and deliberately provocative actions show themselves to be only one part of Hong Kong society — and not the best part either! The community singing a national anthem is supposed to bring people together to take pride in their national identity. It should not become an opportunity for political demonstrations and certainly not to be exploited to exacerbate our political divisions.

Recent months of protracted civil unrest, political dissent and violent protests in Hong Kong have included gratuitous acts of disrespect for the nation’s flag, national anthem and other symbols. The draft new

Paul Surtees

The author is a veteran commentator on Hong Kong social issues who has lived in many countries. law aims to outlaw such conduct, as it is outlawed in many other jurisdictions around the world.

Starting out from their use as a rallying-point in battle, hundreds of years ago, national flags should also be respected, as representing not just a national symbol, but the culture and history of a nation. This was why soldiers have died trying to protect their flag in the heat of battle. Desecrating it cuts deep into many people’s hearts. To deter such behavior, the draft law should include severe penalties.

The regulations to be introduced should draw a distinction between deliberate provocative acts of disrespect for the national flag, and actions which, though potentially disrespectful, are not deliberately planned to be such. For a long time, the British Consulate in Admiralty displayed the British national flag outside the entrance to their building, but split in half, with the two halves located some way away from each other. During the period of argument about potential Scottish independence, and of Brexit from the European Union, such a thoughtless image of splitting away was an unfortunate choice. Similarly, at a Causeway Bay car showroom of luxury vehicles made in Britain, they for a long time displayed an oversized version of the Union Jack on indoor flagpoles that were too short, leaving the flag draped partly on the floor. Neither of these uses of the British flag was meant to be offensive or disrespectful, though it could be interpreted by some observers as being so.

Here in Asia — for example in Malaysia, India and Singapore, among others — there are laws prohibiting gestures of disrespect for their national anthems or flags. The relevant Indian law is well-named as being an act for the “Prevention of Insults to National Honor”.

If we want to see our own national anthems and flags respected, then we must also respect the national symbols of others. For that reason, this draft new law should be extended to apply protection against deliberate disrespect within Hong Kong for the national symbols of all countries. The evergracious people of Thailand provide a striking and uplifting example of national pride and deep respect for their country and fellow countrymen by standing to attention twice a day, as their beautiful national anthem is broadcast in public places every morning and evening.

In all countries, members of the military routinely display the greatest respect for their unit and national flags and anthems, not least by the insignia worn on their uniforms. Hong Kong is not a separate country, so we have no local army. But many of our protesting youngsters, who by the way seem to have adopted a battle-dress of sorts by wearing an all-black attire from head to toe, could still make their political points without desecrating their national anthem or flag. This new legislation is needed to ensure that they do.

The community singing a national anthem is supposed to bring people together to take pride in their national identity. It should not become an opportunity for political demonstrations and certainly not to be exploited to exacerbate our political divisions.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.