HONG KONG (Reuters) – Hong Kong’s legislature is voting on a controversial costs that would criminalise abuse of China’s nationwide anthem.
Individuals using face masks participate in a demonstration against the second reading of a controversial national anthem law in Hong Kong, China May 27,2020 REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
Voting got under method in the legislature on Thursday, when a last vote is anticipated. Demonstrations outside the legislature are anticipated.
WHAT IS IT?
Hong Kong’s National Anthem Expense if passed into law by the legislature will govern the usage and playing of the Chinese national anthem.
This includes provisions that threaten to penalize those who insult the anthem with as much as three years prison and/or fines of as much as HK$50,000($ 6,450). The bill states that “all individuals and organisations” must appreciate and dignify the nationwide anthem and play it and sing it on “suitable events”. It also orders that primary and secondary school trainees be taught to sing it, in addition to its history and etiquette.
WHY IS IT CONTROVERSIAL?
Anti-government demonstrations last year were mostly focused on withstanding f