China drafts law to ban ‘rampant abuse’ of its national anthem, March of the Volunteers
Offences including playing the March of the Volunteers in ads or ‘derogatory’ performances are punishable by up to 15 days in detention
Anyone who “abuses” China’s national anthem could soon face more than two weeks’ detention.
Chinese lawmakers are studying the first draft of legislation to punish abuses of the country’s national anthem, state media reported.
The draft laws would ban people from playing the March of the Volunteers at events such as funerals or as background music in public places, which lawmakers argue reduce the anthem’s dignity.
Malicious revisions to the lyrics or derogatory performances may also be punished under the proposed legislation by up to 15 days in detention.
The legislation also bars use of the anthem in advertisements and any official recordings should only be produced by government-approved organisations.