As HK passes national anthem bill, thousands attend Tiananmen vigil
Hong Kong, June 4: As Hong Kong's legislature voted Thursday for a Beijing-backed law banning insults to China's national anthem, a move critics say further stifles dissent in the restless semi-autonomous financial hub, tens of thousands of demonstrators defied a ban to stage a mass vigil for the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown in Beijing.
Lawmakers approved the Bill with 41 in favour and one against, but the 75-seat chamber's prodemocracy faction refused to vote and instead shouted slogans denouncing the law. One lawmaker threw a foulsmelling liquid on the legislature's floor in a bid to halt proceedings, and others gave impassioned speeches denouncing the law, which carries up to three years in prison and fines for anyone who insults the “March of the Volunteers”.
“If you want people to respect the national anthem, I'm afraid you
have chosen the wrong approach, it is counterproductive,” pro-democracy lawmaker Wu Chiwai said during the debate.
Wu quoted the first line of the anthem, a revolutionary
call to arms that declares: “Arise ye who refuse to be slaves.”
The vote came as Hong Kongers marked the 31st anniversary of China sending tanks and troops to crush pro-democracy protests in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, and opponents rallied around the symbolism of the timing. Police had banned the vigil this year, citing coronavirus measures.
Hong Kong, June 4: Hong Kong’s legislature approved a contentious bill on Thursday that makes it illegal to insult the Chinese national anthem.
The legislation was approved after pro-democracy opposition lawmakers tried to disrupt the vote. The bill was passed with 41 lawmakers voting for it and just one voting against.
Most of the pro-democracy lawmakers boycotted the vote out of protest. The pro-democracy camp sees the anthem bill as an infringement of freedom of expression and the greater rights that residents of the semi-autonomous city have compared to mainland China.
The pro-Beijing majority said the law was necessary for Hong Kong citizens to show appropriate respect for the anthem. Those found guilty of intentionally abusing the “March of the Volunteers” face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to 50,000 Hong Kong dollars ($6,450).